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Gleeson's double sets up Irish

Paul Trow
Sunday 08 September 2002 00:00 BST
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Ireland began the build-up to their World Cup qualifying ties by beating Romania 39-8 yesterday in Limerick. The home side raced to a 32-3 interval lead despite losing Brian O'Driscoll to a heavy knock, but failed to capitalise in the second half.

Ireland took control with two early touchdowns from the flanker Keith Gleeson and a penalty try after Girvan Dempsey was tackled high just short of the line. Ionut Tofan slotted a penalty for Romania, but Ireland replied with a try from O'Driscoll, two penalties and two conversions from Ronan O'Gara and a conversion from David Humphreys, on briefly as a blood replacement for O'Gara.

Romania reduced the deficit after the break when Valentin Maftei darted between Denis Hickie and Dempsey for a try. But the Irish struck back when Rob Henderson, O'Driscoll's replacement, went over following a slick chip from O'Gara who supplied the conversion.

Leeds' director of rugby Phil Davies believes London Irish, today's Premiership visitors, are the team to emulate this season. After last weekend's win over Leicester, Davies, who has named an unchanged side, said: "The Exiles can be a real inspiration for us this year after their fantastic efforts last season." The Irish make five changes to the pack which lost to Bath with Mike Worsley, Richard Kirke, Rob Hardwick, James Cockle and Declan Danaher all coming in.

Bath welcome back Mike Catt and Mike Tindall for their trip to Saracens, who make one change from the line-up which won at Bristol. Tony Roques is still recovering from a gashed leg and is replaced at No 8 by Ben Russell.

Rob Howley has shaken off the bug which recently afflicted the Wasps squad and is fit to face Bristol at Wycombe, but the former All Blacks' prop Craig Dowd is confined to the replacements' bench. Felipe Contepomi returns for Bristol to link up with fellow Argentine half-back Agustin Pichot.

Llanelli saw off a late fightback from hosts Caerphilly to run out 43-34 winners in Pool A of the Celtic League. The Scarlets, who at one stage led 29-3, outscored the Cheesemen by six tries to five.

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