The Irish Universities lost the first match of their Australian tour when the Northern Territory President's XV eased past them by a single point in Darwin yesterday. The hard tackling of the Australians subdued many promising Irish attacks. Open-side flanker Gordon Cantwell was an impressive attacker, but his efforts petered out through lack of support.

Ireland were trailing by 11 points coming up to half-time, before Alastair Hood got a try. However despite the final scoreline, the Irish never took the lead during a game where the heat took its toll.