Ireland power past Russia to set up USA clash

IRELAND turned on the style to blitz Russia 4-0 and top their pool on goal difference from hosts France at the Champions Challenge II in Lille yesterday.

Having left it very late to equalise after a flurry of chances against the French on Sunday, Paul Revington’s charges may again regret some missed opportunities here but the South African is happy his side have generated momentum to take into the quarter-finals.

“It’s good form to take into the next round, in essence that’s the most important thing. It was a good professional performance,” he said.