Under 21 World Cup – Scotland Next up for Ireland.

The second series of matches in the IRB Under 21 World Cup take place tomorrow with Ireland, fully recovered from the disappointment of the defeat to South Africa, set to face Scotland. Not only did the Irish lose a match that was very much within their grasp, but the injury time try denied them a critical bonus point and now they have to pick that up somewhere else – along with two victories as team manager David Haslett explains, “If we are to get to where we want to get, that is the last four in the competition, then we have to win our remaining two games and pick up a bonus point along the way”.

Haslett paid tribute to the Irish side for their performance on Friday particularly in the second half when they outscored their opponents. “We gave away two soft tries, but in fairness to the boys they really showed tremendous commitment and resilience and their second half performance was truly remrkable. Of course they were disappointed, one to lose and then to lose out on the bonus but they’re a very resolute bunch and that’s all behind them now and they’re fully focussed on the next game.

Saturday last was generally given over to rest and recovery with the squad using the excellent facilities at the Oratory School and yesterday it was back to business as the squad prepare for the encounter with the Scots in Newbury tomorrow evening (5pm).

Haslett expects to name the side for that game at lunchtime today (Mon) and reports that everyone will be available for consideration.