Advertisement
Conroy runs in his try against Spain. Mike Lee/INPHO

Close-run thing with NZ the highlight as Ireland 7s struggle in Vancouver

Anthony Eddy’s side pushed New Zealandclose after losing to Spain in Vancouver.

IRELAND PROVED THEY can mix it with the best as they pushed New Zealand close in their final pool match at the Vancouver 7s, but consistency remains a noteable issue after they lost a helter-skelter clash with Spain early on Saturday.

A Foster Horan-inspired performance against the Black jerseys gave Ireland hope, but quick-fire tries from last year’s U20 centre Liam Turner and Jack Kelly were eclipsed by clinical efforts from Akuila Rokolisoa and Caleb Clarke to leave Ireland 12-14 behind at the break.

Kelly scored his second try in the second period after Jordan Conroy crossed and Ireland led 24-21, seriously threatening a shock after Harry McNulty helped win the following restart. But New Zealand had enough in the tank to thwart the danger and advance in attack for Vilimoni Koroi and Amanaki Nicole to seal the win.

jordan-conroy-runs-in-a-try-against-spain Conroy runs in his try against Spain. Mike Lee / INPHO Mike Lee / INPHO / INPHO

Ireland’s loss in their opening fixture came thanks to a dramatic last-gasp loss, Conroy’s scorching effort cancelled out by Maniel Sainz-Trapaga after the hooter had blown.

Conroy book-ended Ireland’s scoring in the 26-28 loss to La Roja, with Terry Kennedy and Horan also crossing before their European rivals snatched the win.

Ulster’s Graham Curtis sealed a tight 14-12 win over Kenya, a result that avenges last weekend’s loss in LA.  The result left Ireland third in the pool and facing a clash with France (17.05 Irish time) when the play-off stages begin tomorrow.

Close
10 Comments
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Bazalicous Dunne
    Favourite Bazalicous Dunne
    Report
    Oct 22nd 2016, 9:01 AM

    Toulon are a shadow of themselves this season. . Chickens coming home to roost it would seem. . Hopefully the same happens at Saracens soon but this year I feel they are head and shoulders above the rest and likely wont be stopped from retaining the BT cup.

    14
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Robert James Behan
    Favourite Robert James Behan
    Report
    Oct 22nd 2016, 12:17 PM

    The smart money is on Wasps this year! Sure they have bloody well spent enough to win it.

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute John Carey
    Favourite John Carey
    Report
    Oct 22nd 2016, 11:34 AM

    Fair play to Peter Stringer for playing the match , a true gentleman and professional.However it was a poor match. Toulon don’t play as well as they used to , that’s for sure. They should’ve blown Sale out of the water. There was some good performances from Halfpenny, Gorgodze and Vermeulen.
    Vermeulen was superb at the breakdown winning 3 key turnovers and working hard clearing out conceding no turnovers and gave a very physical performance up front despite a stupid yellow card. The Springboks in November will need him at his world class form. Wales will also be happy to see a fit Halfpenny for the internationals . Gorgodze gave his standard physical carries and metres helping Ollivon score his 5th try of the season which is great for a blindside and should be expecting that French call up soon.

    9
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Robert James Behan
    Favourite Robert James Behan
    Report
    Oct 22nd 2016, 12:16 PM

    Please can we have anyone but Toulon or Sarries win it this year?

    5
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Range Rover P38
    Favourite Range Rover P38
    Report
    Oct 22nd 2016, 10:48 AM

    Shocking match.

    3
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

Leave a commentcancel