Ireland go down fighting in rain-soaked Cork as South Africa claim U20 international win

Ireland 22 South Africa 32

Ireland’s Charlie Molony in action against Janco Purchase, left, and Lindsey Jansen of South Africa during the U20 challenge match at Virgin Media Park in Cork. Photo: Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

Three maul tries and a tap-and-go trick play saw South Africa overcome Ireland in an U20 international which delivered entertainment despite the constant rain.

The hosts earned their share of scrum penalties from the world champions, as Connacht’s Seán Walsh, Diarmaid O’Connell, and Johnny O’Sullivan claimed tries, but the Baby Boks’ power was enough to see them through.