Ruddock tells his stars to focus on England

Mike Ruddock intends to keep his victorious Ireland U20 side on an even keel following their sensational win over hosts South Africa by concentrating minds on Friday’s must-win IRB Junior World Championship pool clash with England.

Ireland, led by Munster hooker Niall Scanell defeated the heavily favoured Baby Boks 23-19 in Stellenbosch on Tuesday night to get their Pool B campaign off to a flying start and will return to the Danie Craven Stadium on Friday evening to face the team that pipped them to the Six Nations title in the final game of the U20 championship at Adams Park, High Wycombe, on March 16.

England scored a 64-5 win over Italy in Bellville on Tuesday to open their challenge to New Zealand’s crown and this weekend’s meeting of the pool’s two undefeated sides is certainly enough to keep Irish celebrations on hold, said head coach Ruddock.