The last three quarterfinal berths at the Rugby World Cup were decided yesterday in the last four pool matches, with a 36-6 win over Italy setting the Irish on course for a knockout clash against Wales, who thrashed Fiji 66-0.
In the opening match of the day Argentina fended off a plucky Georgia 25-7 to set up a quarterfinal against New Zealand.
The All Blacks went on a 12-try splurge to thrash Canada 79-15.
Ireland finished at the top of a pool for the first time ever at the World Cup, forcing second-placed Australia - the reigning Tri-Nations champions - into a knockout against Pool D winners, defending World Cup champions, South Africa. The winner of that game will probably have to play New Zealand in the semifinals.
The Irish, who lost all four of their World Cup warm-up matches, again looked the pick of the northern-hemisphere challengers, scoring three unanswered tries - including two by left wing Keith Earls on his 24th birthday.
Ireland's reward is a quarterfinal against the side they beat in Cardiff two years ago to win their first grand slam since 1948.
Wales laid their 2007 World Cup ghost - a 34-38 defeat by Fiji - by running in nine tries in a riotous 66-0 win over the same Pacific islanders in Hamilton.
Wales have grown in confidence as the tournament has progressed, overcoming their 1991 and 1999 conquerors, Samoa, after losing by only a point to the Springboks.
Argentina were forced to battle hard against a plucky Georgia side in Palmerston North before winning 25-7, thanks to two late tries, while the All Blacks predictably overwhelmed Canada 79-15.
The All Blacks' victory, in which four tries were scored by wing Zac Guildford, was overshadowed by a groin injury which has ruled talismanic flyhalf Dan Carter out of the tournament.
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