Scott Rhodes made a disappointing World Cup debut last night as Scotland were beaten 18-6 by Ireland at Dublin's Tolka Park.

The York-born youngster was brought in at scrum-half as a late replacement for the injured Andrew Purcell.

But he got off to a bad start when his opposite number and Leeds team-mate Ryan Sheridan charged down his clearance kick to score after just three minutes.

Although a try from Huddersfield full-back Danny Arnold kept Scotland in contention at 10-6 at the break, Bradford's Michael Withers scored the decisive try in the second half to virtually book Ireland's place in the quarter-finals.

Victory over the Maoris in their final match would probably see Ireland face England in the last eight, while Scotland could still go through if they beat Samoa.

Last night Samoa defeated the Maoris 21-16 at Derwent Park.

Australia continued their march with a 68-8 demolition of Fiji in Gateshead.

Winger Mat Rogers ran in four tries with Ben Kennedy and Ryan Girdler crossing twice.

France bounced back from defeat against Papua New Guinea to beat Tonga 28-8 in Group Three.

Tonight, Wales take on Lebanon at Stradey Park knowing victory should take them through from Group Two.