IT HAS taken John Smit the best part of four years but, finally, at the tail-end of his Springbok career, he has been able to silence the voices that dissented from his right to be in the team.

Ireland 8 England 32

Coach Mark McDermott has made three changes to the Ireland U21 team from the side played Argentina last week for the repeat encounter in the IRB U-21 World Championship tomorrow.

Ireland U21 22 Argentina U21 26

Ireland completed a surprise victory over tournament second seeds Australia in the IRB U-21 World Championship tonight.