Ireland - 28 England - 15Under-21 World Cup: Ireland ground out a hard-fought but deserved win over England at the IRB under-21 World Cup at the Rand Afrikaans University Ground yesterday in Johannesburg. The victory avenged a five-point loss in the Six Nations earlier in the season.
Ireland now face a play-off match for fifth and sixth against Six Nations champions France, who beat Argentina. They had a tough draw at this competition and could possibly have been playing for a place in the final if they hadn't come up against Australia and South Africa in two of their three pool matches.
Ireland were short of match sharpness against second seeds Australia on day one, losing 51-18. By the time they found their best form they ran into a South African side determined to win at Ellis Park. The match was lost and with it went Ireland's chance of making it into the last four, but their form has continued on an upward curve.
"Losing to South Africa was a massive blow as we gave it everything," said coach Ciarán Fitzgerald. "This match showed our improvement. Although England had most of the ball, we never lost our shape and discipline, and when fatigue set in late in the game, we ended the stronger."
England's inability to break down the rigid Irish defence proved costly. Their wayward goalkicking was also a problem, as they missed all five attempts. Ireland scrumhalf Brian O'Riordan was slick and accomplished in his service while outhalf Eoghan Hickey, benefiting from a winning pack, got his dangerous backs away often.
This led to first-half tries for centre Gavin Duffy and wing Conor McPhillips. O'Riordan added a try in the second half and Hickey slotted three penalties and a conversion.
"We meet France in the last match and we want to get revenge for losing to them in injury time during the Six Nations as well," said Fitzgerald. "A good result there could mean a better seeding and draw next year - something that worked against us this time around."
SCORERS: Ireland - Tries: G Duffy, C McPhillips, B O'Riordan. Conversions: E Hickey (2). Penalties: Hickey (3). England - Tries: P Davies, S Hooper (2).
IRELAND: S Young; M McPhail, G Duffy, J Norton, C McPhillips; E Hickey, B O'Riordan; J Lyne, R Best, B Young, T Barker, M McCullough (yellow card 63), M Carroll, R Wilson, C Hartigan. Replacements: S Jennings for Carroll 48 mins; S Keogh for Barker 48 mins; F Derbin for Norton 48 mins; K Corrigan for Best 65 mins; S Phillips for Young 65 mins; B Lynn for McPhail 71 mins.
ENGLAND: J Hylton; J Rudd, S Hunt, D Tibbott, T Voyce; M Honeyben, B Hampson; N Cox, J Buckland, M Irish, S Hooper, M Purdy, A Alesbrook, P Davies, H Scaysbrook.Replacements: M Holford for Irish 39 mins; B Sturgess for N Cox 47 mins; S Vesty 53 mins; P Hodgson for Honeyben 54 mins; A Kyriacov for Buckland 69 mins; M Lund for Davies 69 mins.
