Ireland stun Samoa to progress
Wednesday, 05 Nov 2008 21:43
Pat Richards' hat-trick help Ireland progress in the Rugby League World Cup
Ireland have progressed to the semi-final qualifier of the Rugby League World Cup after defeating Samoa 34-16 in their final group game.
Going into the game Ireland knew they needed to win by six points or more and three tries in seven first-half minutes helped set up a famous victory at the Parramatta Stadium.
Wigan's Pat Richards scored a hat-trick of tries and kicked a further ten points.
Simon Finnigan, Sean Gleeson and Liam Finn also crossed to send Samoa out of the competition.
Ireland will now face Fiji in the semi-final qualifier, despite their late loss to Scotland today, with Australia waiting for the winners.