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Ireland, who won the Under-21 Triple Crown last season, were no match for the French in the first under-21 international played between the two countries at Donnybrook in Dublin yesterday, losing 40-13. The French outside-half Julien Berthe got his side away to a good start with a drop goal after three minutes and he then converted a try by Christophe Manas and added a penalty goal. For then on it was one-way traffic.

Wales achieved their 10th win at Under-21 level over Scotland since the series began in 1987, and, with more careful finishing, might have established a bigger winning margin than the 24-13 they posted at Goldenacre yesterday. The Welsh outside-half Shaun Connor marked himself out as a player for the future with an impressive performance.