Ireland exit rugby world cup

Meath man Devin Toner and his Ireland team-mates exited the Rugby World Cup this afternoon when they lost by 23 points (20-43) to a solid Argentina side that will now face Australia in the semi-final.

Argentina blitzed ireland from the start and were 17-0 in front after about 15 minutes, but when Argentina tighthead Ramiro Herrera was sin-binned for a late tackle it gave Ireland a chance to get back into the game.

Ireland lost Tommy Bowe who was stretchered off and replaced by Luke Fitzgerald and a crushing hit on Ian Madigan seemed to sum up Ireland’s situation.

However, playing against 14,Madigan's penalty got them on the scoreboard

Ireland attacked down the left and Fitzgerald was sprung by a brilliant Robbie Henshaw pass for a try which Madigan converted.

Ireland trailed 10-20 at the break and after the resumption Fitzgerald sent the Millennium Stadium into a frenzy as Ireland attacked with purpose.

Fitzgerald burst through two tackles and off-loaded to Jordi Murphy for a superb score with Madigan converting.

The gap was down to three, but that was as good as it got and Argentina upped the tempo and were worthy winners.

Ireland - Rob Kearney; Tommy Bowe, Keith Earls, Robbie Henshaw, Dave Kearney; Ian Madigan, Conor Murray; Cian Healy, Rory Best, Mike Ross; Devin Toner, Iain Henderson; Jordi Murphy, Chris Henry, Jamie Heaslip.

Replacements - Richardt Strauss, Jordi McGrath, Nathan White, Donnacha Ryan, Rhys Ruddock, Eoin Reddan, Paddy Jackson, Luke Fitzgerald.