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 13:04 · Samuel Lovett]

76 min: Ireland 35-0 Russia (Ringrose try, Carty conversion)

Sublime play from substitute Jordan Larmour who made the most of a wide channel out on the left flank to get in behind the Russia defence. Two quick passes inward followed, and there was Garry Ringrose to do the rest from 15 metres out.

[3 October 2019 13:07 · Samuel Lovett]

78 min: Ireland 35-0 Russia

Garry Ringrose is over the white line again... but a knock-on in the build-up from the centre himself sees play come back for a Russia scrum on their own 22.

[3 October 2019 13:09 · Samuel Lovett]

80 min: Ireland 35-0 Russia

Russia can't keep hold of possession as the turnover is made - but neither can Ireland. A rather sloppy finish here as we look to end on yet another scrum. The Bears with the put-in.

[3 October 2019 13:10 · Samuel Lovett]

FULL-TIME: Ireland 35-0 Russia

That's a wrap. A comfortable, but by no means dazzling, victory for Ireland. Back to winning ways, with a bonus point to boot.

[3 October 2019 13:14 · Samuel Lovett]

FULL-TIME: Ireland 35-0 Russia

Russia had promised to give their opponents a 'scare' this evening, and while that didn't necessarily prove to be the case, the Ireland were certainly made to work for this win at times. For a good 20 minutes of the second half at least, the Irish found themselves struggling to break down their opponents. But after a change in tact, with Jack Carty opting to play more of the ball from his boot, things started to open up for Joe Schmidt's side. One final challenge of the group stages to come in the form of Samoa.

[3 October 2019 13:15 · Samuel Lovett]

Rhys Ruddock was named man of the match 

[3 October 2019 14:23 · Samuel Lovett]

That's all from me tonight! I'll leave you with my match report from Kobe - until next time!