Manager Barney McGonigle paid tribute to what he described as "a truly marvellous performance" after the Irish Schools overcame New South Wales at the North Sydney Oval yesterday.

"Both sides gave their all. But you know, you'd have to be rightly proud of these Irish boys. The forwards provided a superb platform, but it was as complete a team performance as you're likely to see. Magic stuff."

No wonder McGonigle was so taken with the Irish boys. Their hosts contained the backbone of what is likely to be the Australian Schools' Test side. This wasn't plain sailing by any means.

At one point, New South Wales blasted through for a quick brace of tries, midway through the first half, that had the Irish trailing 17-10.

However, Ireland remained composed and captain Gavin Duffy popped up with an all-important try in the 28th minute. Outhalf Ian Humphreys nailed the conversion and landed a penalty four minutes later.

Then, just on half-time, full-back Dermot O'Riordan got over from Humphreys to make it 27-17 at the break. After that, two tries from prop John Lyne and second-row Matt McCullough secured victory.

Irish scorers: G Duffy try, penalty; J Lyne, M McCullough, D O'Riordan, A Maxwell try each; I Humphreys 2 penalties, 3 conversions.

Irish Schools: D O'Riordan (Rockwell); S Young (Campbell), G Duffy (Roscrea, capt), G Mitchell (Campbell), A Maxwell (RBAI); I Humphreys (Ballymena Academy), F Murphy (CBC Cork); J Lyne (Castleknock), C Tucker (St Munchin's), J Danagher (Blackrock); S Keogh (St Munchin's), M McCullough (Ballymena); D Leamy (Rockwell) J O'Connor (Crescent), S Jennings (St Mary's). Replacements: C Quaid (CBC Cork) for Humphreys (half-time); R Wilson (RBAI) for Leamy, E McGovern (Crescent) for Danagher (both 44 mins); M Carroll (Blackrock) for Jennings (62 mins).