Baby Blacks burst brave Ireland’s bubble

IRELAND put up a brave display against New Zealand at the IRB Junior World Championship yesterday before two second-half tries from the champions proved decisive in a physical battle in Nagoya, Japan.

Trailing 3-0 at the break, Allen Clarke’s charges were in contention to create the upset of the tournament but, on the turnover, the Baby Blacks did enough to remain on track for a place in the semi-finals.

Ireland’s hopes of a last four place hang by a thread. They need a bonus point victory over Uruguay in their final pool game and then hope Argentina upset the odds against a New Zealand side that has yet to hit its stride.