Ian Keatley touched down twice and converted all six of Emerging Ireland’s tries as they claimed a 42-33 bonus point win over Uruguay to finish as runners-up in the IRB Tbilisi Cup competition.
The South Africa President’s XV were crowned champions after their third straight victory – a 21-16 defeat of Georgia – leaving Allen Clarke’s Irish side with the sole aim of leapfrogging the second-placed Georgians in the final table.
They went about their business in clinical fashion in the first 20 minutes, crossing three times as Ian Keatley grabbed a brace and winger Tiernan O’Halloran also touched down for a 21-7 lead.
Two high quality scores from Niall Morris, allied to a Niall Annett try from a clever lineout move, pushed Clarke’s charges 42-14 in front by the hour mark.
But Clarke and his coaching staff will have been disappointed with a sloppy final quarter during which the Uruguayans struck for three tries and their forwards found a second wind…….. full story CLICK HERE
