Resolute defence ensures U-21s’ continue unbeaten run

Italy U-21 19 Ireland U-2130

Irish captain and number eight Stephen Keogh got his side’s first try.

Outhalf Michael Rainey added a penalty but it was the home side who led 9-8 as the interval loomed.

Ten points in the space of five minutes restored the impetus to Ireland.

Rainey converted having earlier landed a penalty to leave Ireland 18-9 ahead at the interval.

The Italians, who had two players sinbinned during the game, struck back with a converted try to make it 18-16 but the Irish managed a second glut of points in five minutes from the 52nd to the 57th minutes.

Rainey converted having earlier landed a penalty to leave Ireland 18-9 ahead at the interval.

The Italians, who had two players sinbinned during the game, struck back with a converted try to make it 18-16 but the Irish managed a second glut of points in five minutes from the 52nd to the 57th minutes.

Scorers for Italy U21: Tries: Ghidini. Cons: Marcato. Pens: Marcato 4.

Ireland U21: Tries: Lane, Muldoon, Ronan, Keogh. Cons: Rainey 2. Pens: Rainey 2.

IRELAND U-21:R: Bowe (Belfast Harlequins); R Lane (UCC), B Murphy (UL Bohs), K Matthews (UL Bohs), D Warwick (Newport); M Rainey(Glasgow Hawks), F O’Loughlin(Shannon); E McGovern (Old Crescent), R Best(Belfast Harlequins), J Moran(UCD); D Gannon(UCD), N McComb (Dundee High School); J Muldoon (Galwegians),S Keogh(UCC), N Ronan(Lansdowne). Replacements:J Hearty(Blackrock) for Warwick 22 mins; D Fitzpatrick(Belfast Harlequins) for Moran 57 mins; D McAllister(Terenure) for Rainey.

ITALY U-21: Santillo; Nitoglia, Chillon, Ghidini, di Maura; Marcato, Picone (capt); Sbaraglini, Auganese, Costanzo; Montaine, Pavanello; Bresolin, Parisse, Persico. Replacements: Ferrero, Staibano, Bernabo, Mitoglia, Porazzo, Doglioli, Tempestini.