Ireland in quarters

LONDON— Ireland qualified for the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals by squeezing past Italy 16-9 in a tight test Sunday that ensured the Italians will miss out — again.

The victory, described as “ugly” by coach Joe Schmidt, also lifted France into the last eight, and confirmed their match next weekend at Millennium Stadium as the Pool D decider.

The loser in Cardiff will likely face defending champion New Zealand in the quarters. A near full-strength Irish team racked up 94 points in its first two matches.