Ireland XV 14, England ‘A’ 52
Ireland’s Gus McCarthy is tackled by Ollie Hassell-Collins of England A during their match in Thomond Park. Photo: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile
Ireland XV endured a difficult night at Thomond Park as Cullie Tucker’s side fell to a comprehensive defeat at the hands of a supremely-drilled England ‘A’ side, in front of Andy Farrell and the Ireland coaching staff.
After a chastening night in Paris on Thursday, there wasn’t much to lift the mood as the visitors largely dominated the early exchanges and eventually took the lead in the ninth minute when team captain Ethan Roots touched down over the whitewash in clinical style.