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.

“We have worked hard and prepared as best we could with internationals against Wales and Italy. But while results are very important, development takes a huge step forward once the whistle goes for the tournament to start.

“We have a tough first game on Thursday against the Aussies, but with home support at Ravenhill, we expect to put up quite a good challenge.”

IRB representative and former Test referee Paddy O’Brien says Ulster is the perfect host region.

“Ireland rugby is on a high at present, and already you can feel buzz that the tournament is going to be a big success. The crowd is going to be right behind the Ireland team in a tournament that will churn out the stars of the future. This type of competition produced players like Brian O’Driscoll and Jonah Lomu. The players involved all realise that this is the pathway for future professional rugby.”

Australian coach Phil Mooney is in no doubt the tournament is a stepping stone to the future.

“This tournament is now an integral part of the rugby calendar,” said Mooney. “The Australian Rugby Union view it very seriously. They see it as a stepway to a future professional contract.

“There is terrific opposition with the best players throughout the world at this age level. But the tournament is not only about rugby, it’s about a life experience.”

Over 900 players, officials and media have arrived in the province for the event which runs from April 4-21. There are 24 teams in total with 12 teams each in Division A and B.

As expected the junior All Blacks are favourites even though they have lost the last two finals.

Fiji, having defeated Tonga in last season’s Division B final replace Romania in Division A.

On Wednesday Tonga kick things off against Uruguay at Upritchard Park while Chile face the Cook Islands at The Dub. Chinese Taipei tackle the fancied Italians at Gibson Park.