Wales are the first team through to the Rugby World Cup semi-finals after beating Ireland 22-10 in a Celtic classic in Wellington on Saturday.

The win ensured Warren Gatland's men move into the last four for the first time since going down 49-6 to New Zealand in 1987, while Ireland will board a plane still searching for their first semi-final berth in a World Cup.

Wales produced a superb defensive display and played a more intelligent match in the second half, ensuring they dominated territory with some handy kicks from fly-half Rhys Priestland.

Ireland, on the other hand, were disorganised at best. They also turned down at least three opportunities to kick for points early in the first half that could have swung the momentum their way.

Wales started the stronger and crossed for a try within three minutes when their oldest player - wily winger Shane Williams - scored his ninth World Cup try in the corner to stun the large Irish contingent of the 35,787 fans.

Ireland had chances of their own to respond after Wales conceded two quick penalties, but choosing to kick for the corner backfired for the Irishmen who turned the ball over soon after.

Ireland's run of bad luck in the opening quarter was summarised when a pass from full-back Rob Kearney hot on attack went straight into the hands of their opponents.

But they got on the board soon after thanks to a Ronan O'Gara penalty that allowed the Irish fans to breathe a sigh of relief.

Despite a seemingly heavy wind against him, a solid 50m penalty from Wales full-back Leigh Halfpenny ensured the seven-point deficit was restored.

Ireland continued to crumble under their own pressure, with O'Gara's usually reliable kicking game letting the side down on frequent occasions as they trailed 3-10 at half-time.

Ireland started the second half strongly when winger Keith Earls dived over in the corner despite some desperate defending from Welsh number eight Toby Faletau. O'Gara landed the sideline conversion to ensure the match was back on level pegging.

All of a sudden, the Irish crowd found their voice. But it was the Welsh who were again singing the praises of their side after halfback Mike Phillips evaded the tackle of Gordon D'Arcy while diving over in the corner.

O'Gara was replaced by Jonny Sexton, while scrum-half Conor Murray was substituted for Eoin Reddan as Declan Kidney's men looked to change tactics.

But it was Wales who again made the impact where it mattered most when centre Jonathan Davies sliced through a series of weak tackles in the Irish midfield to score a try that gave his side a 12-point margin with a quarter of the game to play.

As the full-time whistle sounded, the Irish fans headed out to Courtney Place in search of alcohol as they would have after beating Australia in the pool. This time, however, it was to drown their sorrows.

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