Disappointed Irish face Japan in bid to salvage tournament

A TOURNAMENT that started so promisingly for Ireland U19s now sees the hosts fighting for respectability.

They battle to hold onto their ninth place Section A finish following last Friday’s last round of pool games.

Ireland’s 31-5 loss to South Africa left them fourth from bottom in the section and forced Charlie McAleese’s side into the 9th-12th place play-offs, which start today.