Former Ballymena team mates Andy Maxwell and Ian Humphreys inspired Ireland to a place in tomorrow's Rugby World Cup Sevens Plate quarter-finals in Hong Kong.

England’s bid to regain the World Cup Sevens crown was ended in emphatic fashion as they were crushed 33-5 by Australia in their quarter-final clash in Argentina today.

Ireland, who have won the bowl in their two previous world series events, will face Portugal - 19-14 winners over Zimbabwe with a ‘golden try’ - in the semi-finals later.

Ireland have qualified for the semi-finals of the World Cup Sevens Bowl with a 24-19 victory over Chinese Taipei.

Ireland's hopes of qualifying for the World Cup Sevens Plate competition were dashed when they were beaten 28-5 by Russia in their final match to finish fifth in Group A.