Rugby Union: Staunton inspires the Irish

Ireland U21 23 England U21 5

JEREMY STAUNTON was the creative force behind Ireland's comprehensive victory in this Under 21 international at St Mary's College, Dublin yesterday, as England felt the full force of the home forwards, to fall to a fourth successive defeat at this level against Ireland.

Given that England were unbeaten this season, having already seen off South Africa and Scotland, while the Ireland pack were outplayed by Wales at Caerphilly a fortnight ago, the way the Irish forwards reconstructed their game was nothing short of remarkable.

Led splendidly by Robert Casey, who was able to celebrate by scoring Ireland's third try, the Blackrock lock received outstanding support from Richard Woods who unsettled England with some ferocious tackling. It was the collective effort of the pack that laid the winning foundations. Sure there was plenty of the destructive mayhem that passes for creativity in most Irish teams, but there was also composure and control where and when it was needed. Mostly it was provided by Staunton.

A gifted Gaelic footballer, Staunton kicks well and long from either foot; he also has pace, strength and an instinctive eye for the opening. He was the provider for Tom Keating to score Ireland's opening try, by which time Geordan Murphy had already kicked two penalty goals.

England's best period was in the final 10 minutes of the half. But Peter Richards went solo when the England forwards were in a good position to drive over the line, and the chance of a confidence-boosting try went begging. Turning round 11-0 adrift, England badly needed a score. But with their support for the ball carrier so woeful and their finishing almost as bad, one didn't materialise until Ireland allowed Rob Thirlby to steal away for a try in the final quarter.

From there it was all downhill as England ran out of replacements and used up their limited stock of ideas, before Casey thundered across to seal victory.

Ireland U21: Tries B O'Driscoll, Casey, Keating; Conversion Murphy; Penalties Murphy 2.

England Under 21: Try Thirlby.

Ireland U21: G Murphy; D Quinlan; K Hartigan, B O'Driscoll, T Keating; J Staunton, P Stringer; M Horan, P Smyth, J Campbell (S Barretto 64), M O'Driscoll, R Casey, P Neville (D O'Callaghan 79), R Woods, L Cullen (capt).

England Under 21: I Balshaw (M Walker 55); R Thirlby, B Johnston, M Tindall, L Best; D Walder (J Pritchard, 30), P Richards (J Bramhall, 49); D Flatman (M Ward, 40), S Walter, J Dawson, S Borthwick, A Brown (J Rule, 49), A Sanderson (capt), L Moody (A Hazel, 82), A Balding.

Referee: H Lewis (Wales).