Dominici scores for France. (Getty Images)
PLUCK OF THE IRISH COMES TOO LATE
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France sent a chilling warning to the rest of the World Cup as they destroyed Ireland's dreams of a first semi-final appearance with a 43-21 victory which was the product of an outstanding all-round display.
Dominant up front and ruthless through the backs, France were inspired by their sensational loose forward trio of Imanol Harinordoquy, Olivier Magne and Serge Betsen to run in four magnificent tries.
Fly-half Frederick Michalak turned in a faultless display with the boot to finish with 23 points from five penalties and successful conversions to the scores from Magne, winger Christophe Dominici, Harinordoquy and prop
Jean-Jacques Crenca.
Ireland took until the 52nd minute to make any imprint on the game and although they eventually finished with three tries, two to Brian O'Driscoll and one to his centre partner Kevin Maggs, the game was over as a contest by half-time.
For the fourth occasion, and second by France, Ireland had been beaten in a World Cup quarter-final and captain Keith Wood, in his final international appearance, left the field with tears in his eyes.
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