In Pics: Ireland U-21 13 Wales U-21 14
Click here for photos of the Ireland Under-21s’ single-point defeat by Wales U-21 at Dubarry Park on Friday night.
Pictured above: Ireland centre Fergus McFadden is tackled by Welsh full-back Jamie Roberts in Athlone.
Welsh flanker Craig Everett gets to grips with Ireland’s Conan Doyle, who kicked two first half penalties on Friday night.
Second row rivals Devin Toner of Ireland and Wales’ Dominic Day, who was sin-binned for a ruck offence late in the first half, compete for the ball.
Welsh scrum half Martin Roberts gets his pass away despite a tackle from Ireland number 8 Sean O’Brien, who is only 18 years of age.
Wales fly half James Hook – the Dragons’ match-winner with a late try – tries to plot his way through the Irish defence with his opposite number Conan Doyle (left) and Irish captain Stuart Philpott in hot pursuit.
Irish scrum half Paul Marshall, who earlier this week signed a full contract with Ulster Rugby for next season, shields the ball from Rhys Gill of Wales.
**All photos by Andrew Paton of Inpho Photography**