Ireland's nightmare World Cup came to an end with their third consecutive loss to Argentina, as the Pumas scored two tries, one each to Lucas Borges and Horacio Argulla, the only amateur in the starting 15, with Felipe Contepomi adding 11 points and Juan Martin Hernandez kicking three drop goals.
For the Irish there was little consolation in scoring the first tries of the tournament past the Pumas, as excellent efforts by captain Brian O'Driscoll and Geordan Murphy were only half of the four they needed to secure an unlikely spot in the last eight.
The defeat will also raise more question marks over the future of coach Eddie O'Sullivan.
"Argentina defended very well and kicked the ball deep. We had to run the ball out of defence and we got into a bit of trouble," said O'Sullivan.
"We needed to score four tries but we couldn't get field position. The boys played their guts out but it wasn't to be.
"It's been a tough World Cup. However, it wasn't for the want of trying."
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"We won't underestimate Scotland. They are a top eight side but we will definitely go for it."
Agustin Pichot,
Argentina captain |
Agustin Pichot, Argentina captain, said he was looking forward to the match with Scotland.
"We had a good game today. We knew they would give it everything but we wanted to win and that was our objective," said Pichot.
"We won't underestimate Scotland. They are a top eight side but we will definitely go for it."
O'Driscoll was furious with the Argentinian tactics.
"We were the only team playing and we tried to score four tries, but it's difficult to play against a team who refuse to play in their own half," said the Ireland skipper.
"They have a good kicking game, it's difficult to play against."
Springboks remain undefeated
In the final pool match of the tournament, South Africa, who were already confirmed as Pool A winners, defeated the USA 64-15 in Montpellier to continue their impressive form ahead of a quarter-final clash with Fiji.
The Springboks scored nine tries to two, with Bryan Habana and Jaque Fourie scoring a brace each, while Schalk Burger, Francois Steyn, CJ van der Linde, Fourie du Preez and Juan Smith all crossing once.
Percy Montgomery booted six conversions and one penalty, with Butch James adding a further two conversions.
For the US, Takudzwa Ngwenya and Chris Wyles scored tries with Mike Hercus adding a conversion and a penalty as the US left the tournament with four losses from four matches.
The final pool matches confirmed the eight quarter-finalists, with Australia taking on England in Marseille, France meeting New Zealand in Cardiff, South Africa playing Fiji in Marseille and Argentina's clash with Scotland in Saint Denis.