Connacht Under 21 Go Down to Late Try

New Zealand Youths played Connacht under 21 last night as part of their tour to Ireland that will see them play their Ulster and Leinster counterparts as well. Click here for more details.

Connacht Under 21: 16
New Zealand Youths (under 21): 22
Connacht under 21’s came within five minutes of upsetting a strong touring side from New Zealand, but a late try by the visitors snatched victory. Phillip Rowe’s scored a superb try just after half time from the base of a five metre scrum, showing great pace and power in the process and Peter Beirne’s touchline kick left Connacht seven clear.

For the reminder of the half Connacht defended well and looked to have the edge on their opponents but they couldn’t find that insurance score and a penalty from Troy Nathan and last minute try from James Rosenberg turned the tide.

Deep into injury time Connacht had a chance to snatch at least a draw but an offside penalty gave new Zealand the relief they needed and from the turnover Nathan kicked another penalty to seal victory.

The Baby Blacks’ now play Ulster Under 21 at Ravenhill on Saturday, 20th November (kick off 2.30pm). They will then finish their visit to Ireland by playing Leinster Under 21 on Tuesday, 23rd November at 6.30pm in Donnybrook.

The visit from New Zealand will give Irish fans the opportunity to see some of the talent that the Irish under 21 side came up against in the summer when they met New Zealand in the final of the IRB Under 21 World Cup.