Magnificent Warburton beaming after Wales win
Wales stifled Ireland’s back-row of Stephen Ferris, Sean O’Brien and Jamie Heaslip and flanker Warburton praised their defensive effort.
“It was a massive performance, we knew they had a lot of big ball carriers and there was a lot of tackling stopping them on the gain line because they are dangerous, it was a fantastic defensive effort.”
Wales were never behind after Williams’ 56th try for his country inside the opening few minutes, and Warburton claimed making a quick start had been a focus of their preparations.
“We always say we don’t start good enough, and we started perfectly today and it was just what we wanted. It’s easier to be ahead of the game than chasing it. It’s a massive achievement and we have worked so hard.
“The team in 1987 did it (reached the last four) and got third place. But we have the semi next week, the boys are thrilled and it’s a massive achievement, it’s brilliant.”
Try scorer Phillips added: “It’s an historic win, the boys have been outstanding in the lead up to this game. We have so much respect for the Irish boys and I feel sorry for them. They are great players and outstanding gentlemen but we were superb today.”
Brian O’Driscoll spoke for the whole of Irish rugby when he outlined how “bitterly disappointed” he was at having to head home.
“We’re very disappointed to be going home. It was a great opportunity for us after winning our Pool. But Wales are worthy semi-finalists and good luck to them,” said the Irish skipper.
“We needed to deliver a performance like the ones against Australia and Italy, but we didn’t do that. They took their scores really well and we are the ones who are left disappointed.”
“Wales started very brightly and their body language was very good when they took the field. They stopped Ireland at source, they stayed on their feet and there were always a lot of Welsh jerseys in front of the Irish ball carriers,” said Munster and Ireland great Alan Quinlan.
“They will be high on confidence after this victory and you have to fancy them in the semi-finals.
“Ireland had a few opportunities in the first-half after conceding that try to Shane Williams, but they kept dropping the ball and taking wrong options.
“The impact tackles from Wales were phenomenal and their line speed was great.”
The victory saw Wales through to their first semi-final since 1987, when they also beat Ireland in Wellington in a Pool match. It was a special victory for their coach, Warren Gatland, who saw his side win on his native New Zealand soil against his former team.
“That was great. Before we left the hotel I told the players they had worked so hard over the past four months and I asked them if they wanted to go home on Monday or have another two weeks in the tournament,” said Gatland.
“I’m really proud of them and their performance.”
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