Ireland wary of Wallaby opener

THE IRB U-19 World Championships were launched yesterday in Belfast and Ireland coach Charlie McAleese expects a tough campaign in the Division A Championship.

His Ireland side kick-off against champions Australia on Thursday night, then face Scotland before finishing their group campaign against 2005 winners South Africa on Friday week.

“The pressure is on us being the host country,” said McAleese. “We have been preparing for the past six months. The competition is upon us now, and things are really hotting up.