Miller try gives Ireland lead at break

Ireland 13 USA 6

Leinster back row Eric Miller’s try was the sole highlight of a disappointing first half at Lansdowne Road where a much-changed Ireland side only led the US Eagles 13-6 at half-time.

From the highs of last weekend’s 17-12 defeat of South Africa, Eddie O’Sullivan’s second string struggled in rainy conditions with fly-halves David Humphreys and opposite number Mike Hercus of the Sale Sharks swopping two penalties apiece.

A shoddy Irish scrum, containing six Munster men, and a sequence of knock-ons at crucial periods saw the American line stay intact, with Shane Horgan going the closest to adding to Ireland’s tally on 35 minutes, as Brian O’Driscoll’s pass marginally eluded him.

Debutant left wing Tommy Bowe collected a 24th minute chip kick over halfway to set Ireland up for their only try of the half.

Full-back Geordan Murphy was used twice in subsequent ball carries and Shane Horgan eventually put Miller in past Gerhard Klerck at the right corner.

Despite having flanker Brian Surgener sin-binned four minutes later, the Americans managed a second penalty from Hercus, who missed his first attempt to the left on 13 minutes and a drop goal attempt.