Ronan O’Gara helps Ireland thrash Russia by 62-12 in Rugby World Cup match
Ireland secured another important victory in the ongoing Rugby World Cup while defeating Russia by a hefty margin of 62-12 on September 25 in Rotorua. Ronan O’Gara was the major contributor for his side with 15 individual points as Ireland scored nine tries
to register a comprehensive win over Russia.
Russia selected an inexperienced side despite knowing the fact that Ireland had beat the second best side of the world with a graceful effort. The Russians included three new comers to their side who made their very first appearance in the global show. Valery
Tsnobiladze, Alexander Khrokin and Dennis Simplikevich were new faces to be included in the Russian starting lines.
Meanwhile, Ireland formed a strong side as they knew victory could place them in a good position to stake a claim in the quarter-final stages. The presence of Jamie Heaslip and Donncha O'Callaghan made the Irish side look very threatening.
It was a crucial match from the Irish perspective because they had a chance to give Italy a run for their money in the race for quarter-final berths. Ireland did not take any risks in cashing an easy victory against the meagre side from Russia and launched
an early attacking campaign in the match. Ronan O’Gara put his side in great position with a 5th minute penalty goal.
This was a perfect start and Ireland was looked to Fergus McFadden as he scored and gave a boost to his team. O’Gara scored the conversion goal with great ease to increase the Irish lead to 10-0. Sean O’Brien was the next to shine for Ireland with well played
try in the 12th minute of the match. There was some unproductive time for both sides in the game until Isaac Boss and Andrew Trimble scored one try each for Ireland in the 38th and 40th minute of the match. Ireland was well
ahead of Russia at the end of the first half with 36-0.
A good contest was seen during the second-half as Russia tried to bounce back in the match with some attack attempts. Russia scored a couple of tries in the second part of the game within 20 minutes.
However, it was too late for them as Ireland had increased their total to 62-12 with the final whistle. Ireland scored a further four tries in the second-half solidify the win.
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