Ireland face World Cup opener against Namibia

Ireland will open their World Cup campaign against Namibia in Bordeaux after the Africans qualified for Pool D with a comprehensive victory over Morocco.

Namibia, already 27-5 up from the first leg, pressed home their advantage last night to beat the 14-man Moroccans 27-8 in Casablanca.

The scores were tied at 3-3 when Morocco captain Jalil Narjissi was sent off for a dangerous tackle a minute before half time.

And Namibia took full advantage to score four tries through Herman Lindvert, Heini Bock and two from Melrick Africa.

Namibia's prize is a place in the toughest group of the World Cup alongside Ireland, tournament hosts France, Argentina and either Georgia or Portugal.

Georgia are favourites to complete the group after a 17-3 first-leg victory over Portugal. The return game is in Lisbon on November 25.