What are the standings in Pool A of the Rugby World Cup? Ireland's table, fixtures and potential quarter-final opponents

A bonus point win over Russia has returned Ireland to the summit of Pool A.

But Japan will be favourites to overcome Samoa on Saturday and maintain their 100% record after shocking Ireland last weekend.

Where does that leave it all?

Ireland's Garry Ringrose scores their fifth try against Russia (©INPHO/Dan Sheridan)

The standings in Pool A

Team	PL	W	D	L	TF	PF	PA	+/-	BP	Points
Ireland	3	2	0	1	11	74	22	+52	3	11
Japan	2	2	0	0	5	49	22	+27	1	9
Scotland	2	1	0	1	4	37	27	+10	1	5
Samoa	2	1	0	1	6	34	43	-9	1	5
Russia	3	0	0	3	1	19	99	-80	0	0

Results and Fixtures

Fri 20 Sep Japan 30-10 Russia (Tokyo) 

Sun 22 Sep Ireland 27-3 Scotland (Yokohama) 

Tue 24 Sep Russia 9-34 Samoa (Kumagaya) 

Sat 28 Sep Japan 19-12 Ireland (Shizuoka) 

Mon 30 Sep Scotland 34-0 Samoa (Kobe), 11.15am

Thu 3 Oct Ireland 35-0 Russia (Kobe), 11.15am

Sat 5 Oct Japan v Samoa (Toyota), 11.30am

Wed 9 Oct Scotland v Russia (Shizuoka), 8.15am

Sat 12 Oct Ireland v Samoa (Fukuoka), 11.45am

Sun 13 Oct Japan v Scotland (Yokohama), 11.45am

How can Ireland qualify for the quarter-finals?

Ireland will be assured of a spot in the last eight if they record a bonus point win over Samoa in their last pool match.

A failure to get a bonus point, draw or loss would still be enough if Scotland fail to win their remaining two matches against Samoa and Japan.

Scotland can do Ireland a favour against Japan (Craig Mercer/MB Media/Getty Images))

How can Ireland top the pool?

A bonus point win over Samoa will mean Ireland can't passed by Scotland.

And this couple with a Scottish win over Japan in the final match would see Joe Schmidt's top the pool.

Of course, Samoa could also do Ireland a favour and upset Japan, leaving the door open for Scotland too to make the last eight.

Who could Ireland play in the quarter-finals?

It looks for all probability that Ireland will play New Zealand if they finish second in Pool A.

The winners of Pool A look destined to face South Africa in the quarter-finals.

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