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Nine-try Ireland account for USA
By Sacha Pisani
A rampant Ireland scored nine tries in a comprehensive 55-19 victory over the United States in New Jersey.
Ireland kicked off their tour in style Saturday thanks to Keith Earls' first-half double at Red Bull Arena.
Debutants Jacob Stockdale and James Ryan ran in tries in a youthful side, while Niall Scannell, Kieran Marmion, Jack Conan, Luke McGrath and Simon Zebo were also on the scoresheet for Ireland, who led 29-7 at half-time.
It took Ireland only three minutes to hit the front after Tiernan O'Halloran played in Earls in the left corner, though Joey Carbery was unable to convert.
Stockdale capped his international bow with a try as he raced through to score and Garry Ringrose added the extras for a 12-0 lead.
Earls was at it again, while Scannell and Marmion all crossed over before the interval after Nick Civetta gave the Americans something to cheer about.
Civetta blocked down a Carbery chip to claim an easy five-pointer in front of the posts.
Carbery's difficult day continued in the second half after he was charged down by John Quill, while Ryan Matyas reduced the deficit to 36-19.
The result, however, was never in doubt as Conan, McGrath, Ryan and Zebo crossed over.
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Latest Comments
I think Italy were always targetting this match and intended to win. They needed to exorcise the 2023 RWC. I think they could have done with a bit more help from other 6Ns particularly from Ireland to knock more holes in NZ and their confidence.
Mentioned before the Italy Argentina match was a virus that ripped through the Italy camp early that week. In general play Italy were competitive albeit with a high error count and crucial missed tackles.
Ive said it before the era of NZ turning up unprepared for all comers and triumphing is definitively over. If a Tier1 team target NZ and NZ do not prepare accordingly they are in with a major chance of losing. It used to occur the odd time in RWCs against France, now it can occur v any Tier1. The competition has improved. NZ can still be at the top but their talents must be deployed sufficiently into dismantling teams as with their attack then allowed to exploit.
They dismantled Ireland pretty well in Dublin which went largely unnoticed. That allowed them scoreboard advantage and attacking opportunities of which one was enough.
That Italian team beat Wales and significantly Scotland last year. They used the loss to NZ in the most positive way possible. No doubt NZ prepared but I would assume it was similar to versus Argentina: 3/4 arsed at best. These test matches are rare and this was another chance to practice dismantling a determined and prepared opponent which was lost. If Italy had scored a 7 pointer at 17-6....an Italian win was on.
Go to commentsGB = England, Scotland, Wales. UK = England, Wales, Scotland, NI
Nothing to stew son.
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