Rugby Union: Irish take a pounding

Australia B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57

Ireland. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

IRELAND are faced with a mounting casualty list after crashing to Australia B, their fourth consecutive tour defeat, at Mount Isa yesterday.

The lock, Gabriel Fulcher, looking for a first cap in this weekend's first Test against Australia in Brisbane, is out of consideration with a badly cut leg, while the scrum-half, Alain Roland, damaged knee ligaments in the match.

The Irish management have sent for Terenure College's Niall Hogan to provide cover for Roland, while the wings Brian Walsh and Brian Robertson were also injured.

Ireland led for only six minutes after Alan McGowan kicked an early penalty, but Australia then took command and scored nine tries.

Two more penalties from McGowan were the only points in reply, the scrum- half, Mark Catchpole, leading the Australian rout with three tries against the loose Irish.

Ireland's humiliation could have greater but the outside- half Tyron Mandrusiak made only three conversions.

Australia B: Tries Catchpole 3, Apps, Dalton, Howard, Mandrusiak, Murdoch, Ofahengaue; Conversions Mandrusiak 3. Penalties Mandrusiak 2. Ireland: Penalties McGowan 3.