IRELAND won Pool Four of the FIRA Under-19 Junior World Cup tournament when they convincingly defeated Scotland in Buenos Aires yesterday. In very hot weather conditions, they preserved their undefeated record and in doing so, booked a semi-final place against the hosts and holders, Argentina, tomorrow. The Irish got away to the best of all starts, with a try from the Blackrock RFC lock, Bob Casey, after only 90 seconds' play. Out-half Geordon Murphy, who had a personal tally of 12 points, converted.

The Irish never looked back, although the Scots replied with a penalty goal after 23 minutes. But a penalty landed by Murphy left Ireland ahead by 10-3 at halftime.

They went further ahead five minutes into the second period, being awarded a penalty try. Murphy added the points, and there was to be no way back for Scotland.

With some 20 minutes left, Murphy scored another try, and though it was not converted, the result was by then never in any doubt. Scotland got an unconverted try late in the game.

"We got off to a great start with Casey's excellent early try", said Ireland's manager, Jim Glennon. "The semi-final with Argentina will obviously be a big test, but morale in the camp couldn't be higher.