Ireland vs Russia – Rugby World Cup 2019: Result and reaction from Pool A fixture

Re-live all the action from Kobe

Rugby World Cup match preview: Ireland v Russia

Ireland began to resurrect their Rugby World Cup campaign after their shock loss to Japan with a scrappy 35-0 bonus-point victory on Thursday over a stubborn Russia in Kobe that moved them to the top of Pool A and strengthened their quarter-final chances.

Ireland have 11 points, while unbeaten Japan (nine) face Samoa (five) in Toyota City on Saturday. Scotland also have five points and play Russia next Wednesday in Shizuoka before ending pool play against the tournament hosts in Yokohama on Oct. 13.

Fullback Rob Kearney and loose forwards Peter O'Mahony and Rhys Ruddock scored first half tries for Ireland, but it took until the 62nd minute before wing Andrew Conway crossed for the bonus point that kept them in the hunt for the knockout phase.

The fact Joe Schmidt's side struggled to put away a limited Russia side, who had Bogdan Fedotoko and Andrey Ostrikov yellow carded either side of halftime, would do little for their fans' waning hopes they could reach their first semi-final in Japan. Re-live the action below:

What time is it?

Ireland vs Russia kicks off at 7.15pm Japan Standard Time, which is 11.15am BST, on Thursday 3 October.

Where can I watch it?

ITV1 will be broadcasting the clash. Alternatively, you can live stream the match on your laptop, smartphone or tablet via the ITV Hub.

Key Points

• Ireland: Kearney; Conway, Ringrose, Aki, Earls; Sexton (capt), McGrath; Kilcoyne, Scannell, Ryan, Kleyn, Beirne, Ruddock, O’Mahony, Murphy
• Russia: Artemyev; Davydov, Galinovskiy, Golosnitskiy, Simplikevich; Gaisin, Perov; Polivalov, Matveev, Gotovtsev, Garbuzov, Fedotko; Sychev, Gadzhiev, Gresev

[3 October 2019 11:09 · Samuel Lovett]

So what’s Joe Schmidt had to say for himself in the build-up to this match?

On the lessons learned from the defeat to Japan and the penalties awarded against Ireland in that game, the Kiwi said: "We did put ourselves on the back foot and partly went onto the back foot. We were penalised for offside four times and we've now got the feedback that three of those were incorrect calls. People were asking us about our discipline.

"It's pretty hard to keep getting off the line and onto the front foot when you are getting those calls. Two of them were from an AR (assistant referee) who is going to be refereeing us on Thursday (Jerome Garces), so we know we’re going to have to be on our best behaviour.”

[3 October 2019 11:11 · Samuel Lovett]

There go the drums - and here come the teams! Not long now, folks.

[3 October 2019 11:12 · Samuel Lovett]

Still find it hard to believe that this will be Johnny Sexton's first game as captain. Seems like he's been around for ever, having always played such a central and pivotal role in this side. 

Anyway, national anthem time. Brb.

[3 October 2019 11:16 · Samuel Lovett]

Much greater Irish presence here tonight. Pockets of green scattered throughout the stadium, which is more or less full excluding a few empty seats here and there.

[3 October 2019 11:17 · Samuel Lovett]

KICK-OFF! Ramil Gaisin gets us under way, sending it high and long.

[3 October 2019 11:18 · Samuel Lovett]

1 min: Ireland 0-0 Russia

Bundee Aki is under the high ball and collects in his own 22. Contact is made, with the Irish holding firm at the breakdown before Johnny Sexton receives possession to boot clear. No early scares!

[3 October 2019 11:18 · Samuel Lovett]

TRY! Rob Kearney touches down for Ireland!

[3 October 2019 11:20 · Samuel Lovett]

2 min: Ireland 7-0 Russia (Kearney try, Sexton conversion)

Ireland cut open the Russian defence following a neat inside ball off Tadhg Beirne. Rob Kearney was on hand to receive possession bursting into the space behind. He swerved to the right, and looked to cross paths with Bundee Aki, but the referee was happy, with the 15 driving away from a cluster of red shirts to dive over. 

Johnny Sexton with the extras. The perfect start.

[3 October 2019 11:23 · Samuel Lovett]

5 min: Ireland 7-0 Russia

Russia caught deep in their own half as Ireland keep their foot on the pedal, hitting their opponents with crash ball after crash ball. The Irish playing as if they've got a point to prove...

[3 October 2019 11:24 · Samuel Lovett]

7 min: Ireland 7-0 Russia

Fair play to the Bears. Ireland have been forced back into their own such has been the ferocity of the Russians' defence. Some huge hits being put in.