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Conway shines as much-changed Ireland battle past USA
By Christopher Devine
Andrew Conway claimed a hat-trick as a much-changed Ireland team eased to a 57-14 victory over the United States in Dublin on Saturday.
Following his side's magnificent triumph over world champions New Zealand last weekend, head coach Joe Schmidt made 14 alterations for Ireland's final Test of 2018, with Garry Ringrose the only player retained.
The Six Nations champions were put under pressure early on by the USA, whose own form coming into this match had also been impressive, albeit against more limited opposition
Yet the gulf in class between the two teams soon became apparent as the game wore on, with Ireland racking up 43 unanswered points after they were pegged back to 14-14 in the first half.
Conway claimed each of his side's first two tries, only for those scores to be cancelled out by Joe Taufete'e and a United States penalty try, the latter score coming as Iain Henderson was sin-binned for bringing down a maul illegally.
A penalty from Joey Carbery, who converted seven of Ireland's eight touchdowns, edged the hosts back in front and Jack Conan extended that lead before half-time.
The USA were then outclassed in the second period, with Conway completing his hat-trick and Tadhg Beirne, Stuart McCloskey, Quinn Roux and John Ryan also going over.
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Latest Comments
Come on, RugbyPass. You let a notorious homer grade his own beloved team?
Anyway. I rate Barrett, and I’m one of those who think no one else but him and Mo’unga should have ever dressed the ABs’ 10 jersey as long as both are still active, but he wasn’t a 9.5. Barrett is the best game controller of all contemporary ABs’ first fives. Kiwi fans are obsessed with ball running 10s and many don’t realize, that there are other boxes a “first five” needs to tick, than instinctive genius attacking rugby. The DMac lovers don’t seem to notice, that his poor tactical decisions costed ABs some games this year, granting tries to both Pumas and Springboks. As for BB, just review the miniseries against England earlier this year. In one of the games, Barrett came on the field, and literally turned the tables by putting immense pressure on the English through clever kicking. It’s not sexy, but it wins games and championships. Ask Handré Pollard, who started his international career as a ball running 10/12, and then turned himself into a game controller.
Anyway x2. 10 is a perfect performance, that couldn’t have been better. 10 is Dusautoir in the 2011 RWC finals. Barrett wasn’t next door to a performance, that couldn’t have been better as much as I rate him.
Go to commentsToo many boks held up in when touching down - Siya and Fassi should've scored
At least the line-out is getting better. A good tour but a soft finish in H2 in this game I think
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