Clarke keen for Ireland to bounce back

LACK of game time may be a concern for Ireland U19 coach Allen Clarke but the former Irish international still looks forward to a quality performance from his side in tonight’s clash with the Australian Schools U19s at Cork Institute of Technology’s ground (7.30pm).

“The squad has only been together since Saturday and we obviously would have liked more time to prepare for this game; that said we are confident that, following the national U19 interprovincial series and other screening methods, we have managed to produce a group of players who will be very competitive in this or any other fixture,” said Clarke yesterday.

Ireland U19 Schools already played the touring side but ended up on the losing side in Dublin last week. However, even though the Wallabies won that fixture 31-14 Clarke was happy with the performance of the team in general and particularly of numerous individuals whom he hopes will go on to become stars of the future.