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IRB U21 World Championship- Round Three

18th June 2005 By Munster Rugby

IRB U21 World Championship- Round Three

Despite Ireland being in control for much of the game, a late rally gave tournament favourites South Africa the victory over Ireland on Friday night and ended Ireland s hopes of Championship glory.

IRB U21 World Championship- Round 3

Ireland Fail to Halt Progress of Favourites South Africa

Ireland 42 South Africa 25

Despite Ireland being in control for much of the game, a late rally gave tournament favourites South Africa the edge over Ireland on Friday night and ended Ireland s hopes of Championship glory.

Ireland s captain Gareth Steenson at out half and his opposite number Moryn Steen put on an impressive kicking display, with both players trading kicks throughout what was a tight game. Steenson opened the scoring with two penalties, giving Ireland a six point lead before South Africa responded with a converted try from Steyn. Steenson, however, guided Ireland back into the lead with two more well taken penalty goals. Steyn then replied with two penalty goals to give the Springbok s a 13-12 lead. UCC s Paul Hurley came close to scoring in the first half, but a tight South African defence denied him. However, Steenson gave Ireland the edge before half time, converting once more to give Ireland an 18-13 lead at the break.

After the restart, South Africa got an early try with flanker Derick Kuun getting the touchdown, which Steyn converted. Not to be outdone, Ireland stayed close to South Africa, with on form No. 8 Stephen Ferris picking up a try, which Steenson converted to give Ireland a 25-20 lead. An opportunistic try from South Africa s Pieter Louw, once again converted by Steyn, put South Africa back in front. Steyn added three points to his tally with a drop goal, which rallied the side for a late burst which proved to be Ireland s undoing. Prop Harry Vermas went over the try line first, and was followed by a second try for captain Derick Kuun, which was converted.

It seems most likely now that Ireland will compete for play offs to determine positions 9-12, and face bottom placed Canada on Tuesday in Round Four. Title holders New Zealand were beaten 46-43 by arch rivals Australia while there were wins for Scotland over Canada 52-20, and France over England by 37 points to 27. South Africa will face New Zealand while France play Australia in Tuesday s semi finals.

UCC duo Paul Hurley and Ross Noonan retained their places on the starting line up, while Garryowen s Gerry Hurley made way for UCD s Cillian Willis while still retaining a place on the bench. With Mark Melbourne having departed due to injury, five Munster players remain involved in the squad, three of whom are members of Garryowen FC with the remaining two from UCC. Forward Anthony Kavanagh, out half Conan Doyle and scrum half Gerry Hurley all hail from Garryowen, with winger Paul Hurley and back row player Ross Noonan from UCC completing the Munster involvement. Kavanagh, Melbourne, Doyle and Noonan are all members of the Munster Academy, with Gerry Hurley and Paul Hurley due to join the Academy shortly.

IRELAND UNDER-21: (15) Ross McCarron (UCD), (14) Paul Hurley (UCC), (13) Andrew Trimble , (Ballymena), (12) Greg Stafford (Lansdowne), (11) Paul McKenzie (Belfast Harlequins), (10) Gareth Steenson (Dungannon) (Capt), (9) Cillian Willis (UCD), (1) Gary Maxwell (Dungannon), (2) Stuart Philpott (Saracens), (3) John Andress (Belfast Harlequins), (4) Ross Noonan (UCC), (5) Ryan Caldwell (Dungannon), (6) Kevin McLaughlin (UCD), (7) Chris Henry (Malone), (8) Stephen Ferris (Dungannon) Replacements: (16) Joseph Merrigan (Corinthians), (17) Ronan Loughney , (Galwegians), (18) Trevor Richardson (Buccaneers), (19) Anthony Kavanagh (Garryowen), (20) Gerry Hurley (Garryowen), (21) Jonathon Sexton (St. Mary’s College), (22) Daniel Riordan (Corinthians) ,

Coach: Mark McDermott Assistant Coach: Niall Malone Manager: David Haslett

SOUTH AFRICA U-21: Hennie Daniller; Cedric Mkhize, Ronnie Cooke, Earl Rose, Luvo Sogisdashe; Morne Steyn, Ruan Pienaar; Heinke van der Merwe, Chiliboy Ralepelle, Sangoni Moxoli, Nicolai Blignaut, Cliff Milton, Derek Kuun (Capt), Davon Raubenheimer, Pieter Louw. Replacements: Adriaan Strauss, Harry Vermaas, Gerhard Mostert, Hilton Lobberts, Paul Delport, Thabang Molefe, Mzwandile Stick.

Referee: Wayne Barnes (England)

IRB UNDER-21 WORLD CUP: Mendoza, Argentina Ireland fixtures/results: (all kick-offs Irish time (Argentina -4 hours)) Thursday, June 9: Ireland 23 France 31, Chacras RC, 7.00pm Monday, June 13: Ireland 29 Samoa 21, Maristas RC, 7.00pm Friday, June 17: Ireland 25 South Africa 42, Liceo RC, 7.00pm

Seedings (1-12): New Zealand, Ireland, South Africa, Australia, Wales, France, England, Argentina, Scotland, Italy, Samoa, Canada

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