Brave Effort From Under 21s

22/06/02.The Ireland Under 21s put up a brave performance at Ellis Park in their final Pool game against hosts South Africa. The sides were level at half-time, the Irish eventually losing 42-22

The home side racd intoa nine point lead before Eoghan Hickey opened the Irish account with a 14th minute penalty. The out-half added four more penalties and converted Brian O’Riordan’s 27th minute try to put the Irish 22-11 in front.

However the South Africans responded with two Francois Swart penalties and an injury time try from centre Jean de Villiers to leave the sides tied 22 points apiece at the break.

Throughout a closely contested game, the Boks were never allowed to build up the rhythm that has been the hallmark of their opening two games against a physical and committed Irish outfit.

But they still had the power up front to glean enough kicking chances for Jorrie Muller and Francois Swart.

The match was also marked by the appearance of a famous name when Schalk Burger – son of the former Springbok second row with whom he shares his name – came on for his first U21 cap.

After the match, South Africa’s captain Clyde Rathbone paid tribute to the efforts of their opponents: “It was a very physical game and the Irish came at us for the whole 80 minutes. We’re happy with the win.”

Australia completed a successful first stage in their World cup challenge by defeating France 64-15, in front of 2,000 spectators at Ellis Park Stadium. After the two teams shared early penalties, Australia scored three first-half tries, contributing to a 28-3 lead at the break.

England 20-17 Argentina:
Fiji 26-28 Romania:New Zealand 73-19 Wales: Japan 34-13 Italy:South Africa 42-22 Ireland: France 15-64 Australia.