Ireland foiled in mud battle

Ireland’s hopes of reaching the IRB Junior World Championship semi-finals will rest on the team that broke their hearts in South Africa last night.

Mike Ruddock’s side, beaten by England in the Six Nations decider in March, lost another extremely hard-fought game at the Danie Craven Stadium in Stellenbosch. Ireland, giant-killers in their opening-day triumph over the South Africans, now need to beat Italy in the final group game next Tuesday and hope the English beat the Baby Boks to reach the last four.

It was a brave performance from the Irish, who had been 15-3 ahead at half time on a quagmire of a pitch, having dominated possession after going behind to a fifth-minute penalty from Tom Heathcote.