Georgia next as Kidney’s troops on course to conquer Churchill

DECLAN KIDNEY’S trophy-laden season at the helm of Irish rugby is set to continue after his Ireland A side’s bonus-point victory over Canada in Colorado put them in a strong position to claim a first-ever Churchill Cup title.

A dubious 69th minute penalty try award and one from Munster’s Denis Fogarty before full-time sealed a 30-19 win for Kidney’s men who must now overcome Georgia on Sunday to reach the June 21 final where the England Saxons are their likely opponents. Trailing 16-13 at half time, Ireland upped their performance after the break, dominating the forward exchanges and territory. Despite a thunder and lightning storm throughout the third quarter that turned the game into a lottery, Ireland handled the conditions better with man-of-the-match Devin Toner, Neil Best and Sean O’Brien setting the tone up front.

Jonathan Sexton’s 64th minute introduction proved one of the game’s turning points. The game was still in the balance at that point, but the Leinster man slotted in seamlessly to the No 10 position, keeping Canada pinned deep inside their half with a superb range of kicks.