Under-21s: Second Seeds Ireland Face Tough Cup Task

Seeded second by virtue of last year’s runners-up finish, Ireland Under-21s have been drawn to face France, Samoa and South Africa in the opening stages of June’s IRB World Cup in Argentina.

Having finished fifth in this year’s Six Nations, Mark McDermott’s side will be determined to build on their sole win this season – February’s 31-22 defeat of Italy U-21.

Captain and fly-half Gareth Steenson was instrumental in that success and his game-changing right boot will be needed if the Irish are to live up to their seeding in Argentina.

Steenson kicked nine points in last June’s 47-19 final loss to an all-conquering New Zealand side at Hughenden.

The 2005 tournament – which runs from June 9 to 25 – will take place at five venues throughout Argentina’s largest wine region, namely Liceo, Chacras, Maristas, Mendoza and M. Argentinas Stadium.

McDermott’s charges open their campaign against France at Chacras on Thursday, June 9. The Baby Bleus were 20-13 victors when the sides met at Thomond Park last month.

The Irish take on Samoa – ranked eleventh – at Maristas RC on Monday, June 13 before wrapping up the group run with a testing tie against third seeds South Africa at Liceo RC, four days later.

The travelling Irish squad will be confirmed in the coming weeks.

IRB UNDER-21 WORLD CUP: Mendoza, Argentina
Ireland fixtures: (all kick-offs Irish time (Argentina -4 hours))

Thursday, June 9: Ireland U-21 v France U-21, Chacras RC, 7.00pm

Monday, June 13: Ireland U-21 v Samoa U-21, Maristas RC, 7.00pm

Friday, June 17: Ireland U-21 v South Africa U-21, Liceo RC, 7.00pm

Seedings (1-12):

New Zealand, Ireland, South Africa, Australia, Wales, France, England, Argentina, Scotland, Italy, Samoa, Canada