Rugby Union: Dowling's scoring sinks Irish

Matt Dowling scored four tries in 27 minutes of the second half to lead New South Wales to a 39-24 win over Ireland at the Sydney Football Stadium. The Irish made a slow start but, after New South Wales took an 8-0 lead through a Matt Burke penalty and Stu Pinkerton try, they seemed to build momentum as the full-back, Conor O'Shea, finished off a strong Irish move with a try in the 25th. Eric Elwood converted to bridge the gap to 8-7. Scott Staniforth then scored late in the first half to put New South Wales 13-7 ahead before an Elwood penalty narrowed the scores once more. But Dowling's second-half heroics secured the Waratahs' win. Ireland now play their first test against Australia on Saturday in Brisbane.

London Irish merger, page 13