Schoolboys succumb to Australia

Australia 23

Ireland 12

Scorers: Australia: Tries: S Faingaa, C Lealiifano, A Bishop, R Stanford; Pen: N Woolf

Ireland: Tries: F Carr, D Cave; Con: R Kearney

Ireland's schools side ended their seven-game tour down under on a losing note, as they succumbed to Australia 23-12 overnight in Canberra.

Tries from Sullivan Upper centre Darren Cave and Newbridge right wing Fionn Carr kept Barney McGonigle's side in the match in the seconds half, but their six-game unbeaten run came to an end as Saia Faingaa, Christian Lealiifano, Alec Bishop and Richard Stanford all touched down for Australia.

The hosts had led 13-0 at the break. Full back Robert Kearney of Clongowes Wood added the sole conversion to Irelands tally.

Ireland Schools (v Australia): R Kearney; F Carr, T Gleeson, D Cave, P Shallow; C Gildea, D Williams; G Walsh, G O’Meara, G Mitchell, B Holland, D Toner, M Essex, D Laffan (capt), D Pollock. Replacements: D Hurley, S Cronin, P Collins, J Cornett, B O’Mahony, J Burns, C Doyle, R Drysdale.