Bad start for Ireland as U20s and Women lose

÷IRELAND’S Under 20 side could not cope with the power of their England opponents when going down to a hugely disappointing 48-15 defeat at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry last night. It was a humiliating night for head coach Noel McNamara and his men who were hoping to bring the confidence from last week’s win over Scotland into their performance against the powerful English. There was nothing between the sides after a full-blooded first half that ended 15-15, Ireland’s two tries coming from James Hume and Tommy O’Brien. However, in the second half there was only one side in as the English came at the visitors in waves, ending up with an impresseive seven tries. Ireland end the Six Nations in third place with two wins as France took the title courtesy on bonus points from England . ÷IN the curtainraiser for the Under 21 game in Coventry, Ireland’s Women were comfortably beaten 33-11 by England, their third defeat of a hugely disappointing Six Nations campaign. England scored five tries but it was not enough to claim the title, which was won by France after their win over Wales. Ireland stayed in touch for much of the first half before being blown away in the second, their only try coming from Claire Molloy on 72 minutes. ÷WARREN GATLAND takes Wales into this evening’s Six Nations clash with France in Cardiff (5pm) buoyed by the news that captain Alun-Wyn Jones has signed a national dual contract with the WRU and the Ospreys up to the World Cup next year. Wales can claim a £3.5million prize haul if they beat France and seal second place. A bonus-point win over France would ensure that finish. Lose and finish fifth and Wales will receive £2m less. France are looking to build on their excellent win over England in Paris. ÷SCOTLAND skipper John Barclay has warned his side not to take Italy for granted when they run out to face them at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome today (12.30. Conor O’Shea’s men have suffered a torturous Six Nations, conceding 23 tries on their way to four drubbings, but Barclay said: ‘We know the challenge we will be facing in Rome. ‘Italy will be fiercely motivated after their campaign and want to finish on a high.’