Early blitz see Argentina beat Ireland to reach World Cup semi-finals

Two early tries laid the platform for Argentina to beat Ireland 43-20 and book their place in the World Cup semi-finals.
The Irish were hoping to make the last four for the first time in their history but, while the Pumas played a devastating running game, they suffered from the loss of Paul O’Connell, Jonny Sexton and Paul O’Mahonay through injury last week while Sean O’Brien was suspended.
Brilliant tries from Matias Moroni and Juan Imhoff saw the Pumas take a 17-0 lead after only 13 minutes on the clock.
Luke Fitzgerald’s sensational solo effort helped cut the deficit to 20-10 by the break and Jordi Murphy’s try helped Ireland come back to within three points early in the second half.
But two penalties from Nicolas Sanchez, who ended the game with 23 points off the tee, kept the Pumas in front before two late tries from Joaquin Tuculet and Imhoff broke Ireland’s hearts.