BULLS stand-off Joe Keyes went off with a knee injury midway through the first half of Ireland's impressive 34-6 victory over Wales in the stifling heat at the Rectangular Stadium in Perth.

It was Keyes' first appearance in the World Cup after he missed the matches against Italy and Papua New Guinea – but two victories were still not enough to secure Ireland's place in the knockout stages.

Keyes tweeted: "Gutted about the injury, thanks for the messages. Honoured to be a part of this team, what a great month its been. Made some memories and friends for life."

He added: "Injured after 20 mins but I wouldn't have missed it for anything."

Former Bulls second-row forward Oliver Roberts scored two of Ireland's six tries as they made Wales wait for their first World Cup win since 2000.

The match also marked the retirement of veteran former Bulls forward Phil Joseph, who gave his all in the final fixture of his 12-year Welsh international career.

He said: "I'm a bit emotional about finishing. It's a fantastic experience to be able to finish on such a stage."

The Welsh were on a hiding to nothing from the start of the tournament, with just three Super League players in their ranks compared to 11 for the Irish, eight of whom were forwards.

Roberts and fellow substitute Joe Philbin proved unstoppable with surges from close range in the first half, while Roberts went over from dummy half for his second shortly after being denied by the video referee.

Meanwhile, Ireland coach Mark Aston called on World Cup organisers to take a look at the format after his side bowed out despite winning two of their three matches.

Scotland, inspired by former Bulls player Danny Addy, at least went out on a high after a wretched campaign with a 14-14 draw against Samoa on Saturday.

Addy was Scotland's outstanding player after taking over from disgraced captain Danny Brough in the halves and he twice came close to booking his side's place in the last eight.

"I had the chance to win the game at the end there (from a penalty) and another one with the drop goal," said the Hull KR playmaker.

"But we can be proud – obviously not of the first two games but of this last performance. We owed it to ourselves, the fans and everyone associated with Scotland."