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Details

Date Time Competition Season
30 September 2022 12:45 pm Emerging International 2022/23

Match Report

Emerging Ireland hammer Griquas in series opener

Emerging Ireland cruised to an emphatic, eight try, 54-7 victory over Griquas in their Toyota Series opener.

A brace from Scott Penny as well as tries from Josh Wycherley, Robert Baloucoune, Max Deegan, Stewart Moore, Shane Daly, Calvin Nash and 12 points from Jack Crowley capped off an impressive showing from this young side.

It was a slightly cagey start to the contest with this Emerging Ireland side slowly growing into the game. Jack Crowley’s kicking from hand caused the Griquas trouble early on and just before the quarter of an hour mark, Ireland scored their first try.

A tap and go deep inside the Griquas’ 22 metre line was finished powerfully by Leinster’s Scott Penny. Jack Crowley converted and gave his side an early advantage.

Ten minutes later, Emerging Ireland doubled their lead. A turnover in the Griquas’ 22 saw Max Deegan flash the ball wide to Jamie Osborne. The pacey centre then pooped the ball into the path of Robert Baloucoune who finished in the corner. Jack Crowley remained composed and added the extras from the tee.

The Griquas did reduce the deficit a couple of minutes later through openside flanker Niel Otto who finished from close range. Eddie Fouche added two more from the following conversion, bringing the South African outfit to within seven points of Emerging Ireland.

The visitors regained their 14-point lead five minutes before the interval. A powerful maul from the Griquas’ five metre line saw Scott Penny drive over for his second game of the afternoon.

With half time fast approaching, Emerging Ireland struck again. A brilliant team move saw Ireland work through the phases. A powerful carry from Scott Penny drew in Griquas’ defenders, before he popped the ball into Josh Wycherley who finished from close range.

Jack Crowley maintained his 100% record from the tee to send Emerging Ireland into half time with a 28-7 lead.

Emerging Ireland found their fifth try of the day after a piece of genius from Robert Baloucoune. A menacing run into the opponents 22 metre line exposed their defence. The Ulster winger then offloaded magnificently into the path of his provincial teammate Stewart Moore who touched down.

A cheeky kick behind the Griquas defence from Jack Crowley saw Shane Daly touch down for try number six midway through the second period, before Max Deegan got in on the act with a powerful finish from close range.

With full time edging closer, Emerging Ireland showed no mercy and added try number eight through Calvin Nash, with replacement out half Jake Flannery adding the points from the tee.

It’s a game against the Cheetahs next for this young side, who will be eager to continue their fantastic form.

Griquas

15Malcolm Jaer Full-Back
14Raegan Oranje Winger
13Jay-Cee Nei Centre
12Tertius Kruger Centre
11Luther Obi Winger
10Eddie Fouche 22 Fly-Half 31'
9Bobby Alexander 21 Scrum-Half
1Kudzwai Dube Prop
2Simon Westraadt Hooker
3Justin Forwood Prop
4Johan Retief Lock
5Albert Liebenberg Lock
6Niel Otto 20 Flanker 30'
7Werner Gouws Flanker
8Janco Venter No. 8
16Janco Uys Hooker
17Melusi Mthabela Prop
18Janu Botha Prop
19Godfrey Muzanargwo Lock
20Michael Amiras 6 Lock
21Johan Mulder 9 Scrum-Half
22George Whitehead 10 Fly-Half
23Ashlon Davids Full-Back
24Francois Staples Flanker
25Thabo Ndimande Flanker
26Vaughen Isaacs Winger

Ireland

15Shane Daly Full-Back 61'
14Calvin Nash Winger 79'
13Jamie Osborne Centre
12Stewart Moore Centre 52'
11Robert Baloucoune Winger 23'
10Jack Crowley 22 Fly-Half 14', 24', 36', 40', 54', 63'
9Nathan Doak 21 Scrum-Half
1Josh Wycherley 17 Prop 40'
2Tom Stewart 16 Hooker
3Tom Clarkson 18 Prop
4Joe McCarthy 19 Lock
5Thomas Ahern Lock
6David McCann Flanker 28'
7Scott Penny Flanker 13', 35'
8Max Deegan No. 8 67'
16Diarmuid Barron 2 Hooker
17Michael Milne 1 Prop
18Roman Salanoa 3 Prop
19Brian Deeny 4 Lock
20John Hodnett No. 8
21Michael McDonald 9 Scrum-Half
22Jake Flannery 10 Fly-Half 79'
23Antoine Frisch Centre

Ground

Toyota Park
Toyota Stadium, AT Horak Street, Mangaung Ward 20, Bloemfontein, Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality, Free State, 9301, South Africa

Luke is a final year Journalism student in DCU. He is a Sports Reporter for Wicklow People Sport and FinalWhistle.ie.