Ireland hold on to beat Eagles

Ireland had their work cut out to beat the United States 25-18 in filthy conditions in Atlanta on Saturday.

Driving rain and a partially waterlogged pitch made Ireland's ambition of playing positive rugby impossible as the home side scored two tries to the visitors' one, from Richard Wallace.

Neil Francis, who dominated the line-outs and Paul Burke, who came on in the second half for the injured Eric Elwood were Ireland's major successes.