ROB ROBERTSON IN KOBE: Sean Maitland feared he had blown his big chance to grab Scotland the bonus point win needed to keep their World Cup dream alive.

Australia will play Italy, Fiji and Scotland in Group B while New Zealand face Lebanon, Jamaica and Ireland in Group C. Tonga, Papua New Guinea, Wales and Cook Islands make up Group D.

New Zealand proved jut how frightening they can be with a crushing victory over Samoa in preparation for facing the British and Irish Lions. Relive the action from the All Blacks' tune-up fixture.

Samoa coach Matt Parish will approach Sonny Bill Williams about representing the nation if he returns to rugby league with Toronto Wolfpack in the English Super League.

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW BY RORY KEANE IN FUKUOKA: The 48-year-old is now head coach of Samoa, the final obstacle in Ireland's quest to qualify for the knockout stages at the Rugby World Cup.

RORY KEANE IN FUKUOKA: Fourteen-man Ireland sealed their place in the World Cup quarter finals with a seven-try victory over Samoa here in Fukuoka, but Bundee Aki's red card will be a worry.

Bundee Aki was sent off in the 29th minute after a high tackle at Fukuoka Hakatanomori Stadium and faces a multiple-game suspension, souring the win that put Ireland through to the quarters.

EXCLUSIVE BY NIK SIMON: The campaign will go down to the wire as The Mail on Sunday can reveal that rival Agustin Pichot has secured the backing of New Zealand, South Africa and Australia.

Ghana were on the verge of becoming the first African team to reach a World Cup semi-final when they were awarded a penalty in added time of extra time after a Luis Suarez's handball.

Ghana were on the verge of becoming the first African team to reach a World Cup semi-final when they were awarded a penalty in added time of extra time after a Luis Suarez's handball.