Captain Alex Kendellen admits there's scope for improvement after opening victory over Pumas

Team captain Kendellen after the game which Emerging Ireland won 36-24

While he acknowledged there is scope for improvement, team captain Alex Kendellen was pleased that Emerging Ireland were able to begin their Tour of South Africa in winning style against Airlink Pumas at Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein on Wednesday.

One of the most experienced players in the squad with 69 senior appearances already under his belt at Munster, Cork native Kendellen played the opening 51 minutes of a game that ended 36-24 in favour of the touring side. Even though Pumas crossed the whitewash on four occasions over the course of the action, a six-try haul – including a first half effort from Kendellen’s back-row colleague Cormac Izuchukwu – ensured Simon Easterby’s men had the measure of the Currie Cup outfit.