Argentina and France secured their places in the quarter-finals of the Rugby World Cup, and South Africa crushed the United States as the pool stage of the tournament came to a close Sunday, according to DPA. Argentina advanced to the knockout stage of the World Cup for only the second time by beating Ireland 30-15 in a passionate Pool D match in Paris. Man of the match Juan Martin Hernandez converted three drop kicks, centre Felipe Contepomi kicked three penalties, and a rugged defence kept the Irish on their back foot for most of the match. Ireland had to win by more than seven points and score four or more tries to advance. While they played their most energetic match of the tournament, the Irish had the ball poached too often throughout the 80 minutes to have a serious chance at knocking out the Pumas. By winning, Argentina also topped Pool D and condemned hosts France to face the tournament favourites, New Zealand, far from home on October 6 in Cardiff. In their quarter-final match, scheduled for October 7 at the Stade de France outside Paris, Argentina face a far more manageable opponent in Scotland and, based on this performance, look to have a strong chance of reaching the semi-finals for the first time.
