Ireland opened their campaign with victory over division one newcomers Georgia at King's Park in Durban yesterday to give themselves a lift ahead of their big match with host nation South Africa on Tuesday.

But Ireland, despite dominating the game, failed to gain a bonus point, which could prove crucial when the teams play for ranking positions in rounds four and five.

Ireland led 6-0 at half-time with two penalties from fullback Rob Kearney and added a try 13 minutes into the second half from winger Eric Moloney. Kearney added the conversion and another penalty.

IRELAND UNDER-19: R Kearney (UCD, capt); E Moloney (Blackrock), F McFadden (Clongowes), D Cave (Upper Sullivan), D Black (Portadown); E Ryan (UCC), M D'Arcy (Dublin University); C Black (Hartpury), G O'Meara (Lansdowne), B Lynch (Rotherham Titans), D McGowan (Buccaneers), D Toner (Lansdowne), D Laffan (Dublin University), B O'Mahony (Crescent Comp), D O'Reilly (Blackrock College). Subs used: C Muldoon (Galwegians), G Walsh (UL Bohs), K Griffin (Shannon), A Saunderson (Ballyclare), R Boles (Colston), F Walsh (UCC), D Dawson (Cooke). Try: Molony. Pens: Kearney (2). Con: Kearney.