IRELAND scored a worthy 26-21 victory over England in the Students World Rugby Cup in Johannesburg yesterday. With both teams having failed to qualify for the knock-out stages, this match was part of the series to decree the minor placings.

Ireland took the lead and never subsequently surrendered it when Simon Mason kicked a penalty after 15 minutes and then a try from Kevin Spicer and a second from Ray McIlreavy, converted by Mason, left Ireland 15 points clear. England replied with three penalty goals, but Mason was on target twice with penalty kicks and Ireland led 21-9.

England reduced the lead with a try but in the first minute of injury time, Gavin Webster scored Ireland's third try to put his side into a 26-14 lead.