Another day, another victory for Emerging Ireland as they clawed over the line with a 29-24 victory over the Western Force in Bloemfontein. It was an excellent four try showing from a heavily rotated Ireland squad, beating a Super Rugby franchise with a number of internationally capped players, and will be sure to please Simon Easterby and Andy Farrell.
Dom Perignon rugby from Emerging Ireland
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After a strong first half laid them on the path to success, here’s who impressed us most in a victory that was about both style and substance.
Emerging Ireland - the star players against the Western Force
Alex Usanov & Ronan Foxe
Despite being just 19 and 21 respectively, this dynamic duo looked far more polished on Sunday afternoon. Usanov is a converted back row, and you can see his potency with ball in hand. Foxe is a more traditional tighthead prop, but the Munster academy prospect has been brilliant at AIL level, and looked comfortable against an even stiffer challenge today. They are two different types of player, but both exciting for their age.
Sean Jansen
Next on the list is a Connacht back rower who made a bruising impact. The former Leicester Tiger made a brief cameo last time out, but his starting berth today was an excellent one, carrying firm and acting as Ireland’s primary power carrier in a relatively young pack.
Jude Postlethwaite
If you forgot your glasses, you’d be excused for thinking Stuart McClsokey was at centre for Ireland, such was the performance of his fellow Ulster man in Bloemfontein. His opening try was a wonderful mix of smart running lines and power through contact, matching a well rounded performance. He could be an Ulster starter before long, in fact he's been recalled by Ulster for this weekend's games.
Ethan Coughlan & Sam Prendergast
There’s a lot of justified hype surrounding Sam Prendergast, and he was excellent, but this was a brilliant performance from Ireland’s halfbacks as a combination. Munster’s Ethan Coughlan showed why he has gotten increasing URC minutes in recent years, with excellent attacking touches; while Prendergast managed the game well and kicked well, in his second start in just five days.
Very Honourable Mentions
Cormac Izuchukwu & Alex Kendellen
Like they did on Wednesday, Izuchukwu and Kendellen looked like men against boys, despite playing against seasoned pros. Easily Ireland’s two best players on the day, and are banging down the door for a senior call up come November.
Emerging Ireland's final game
Ireland will get a brief period to rest ahead of Wednesday’s night's clash with the hometown Cheetahs. After dethroning a Super Rugby side without being at full strength, Ireland will be confident of securing another one, but the real bonus is seeing young players taking their opportunity on the tour so far.
Emerging Ireland play the Free State Cheetahs on Wednesday at 6pm on Irish Rugby +
