Gilroy stars as Ireland's youngsters rout Fiji

LIMERICK (AFP) –

Ireland’s hooker Sean Cronin tackles Fiji’s lock Apisai Naikatini (up) during their international rugby union match at Thomond Park in Limerick, Ireland. Ireland won 53-0.

Craig Gilroy stole the spotlight as the Ulster wing scored three tries in Ireland A’s 53-0 rout of Fiji in a non-cap international at Thomond Park on Saturday.

Gilroy was one of three uncapped Ulster players named by Ireland coach Declan Kidney, who picked just three of the team that started last weekend’s defeat against South Africa, and he seized his chance with a sensational display.

He bagged the first try in the 10th minute and fellow winger Fergus McFadden then crossed over for the second.

Hooker Sean Cronin scored Ireland’s third try and centre Darren Cave added the fourth with a fine solo effort in the 31 minute.

McFadden got his second try soon after half-time and Gilroy scored two more before Luke Marshall capped the victory late on.

Gilroy has given Kidney food for thought as he prepares to select the team for next week’s international against Argentina.

But, while Gilroy’s performance was good news for Kidney, the Ireland coach will be concerned by the sight of John Muldoon being carried off with a leg injury.

Fiji coach Inoke Male made five changes to the side that started last week’s 54-12 thrashing by England at Twickenham, but once again his team were completely out-classed.

Ireland wing Craig Gilroy tackles Fiji wing Simeli Koniferedi (L) during their international rugby union match at Thomond Park in Limerick, Ireland. Gilroy stole the spotlight as the Ulster wing scored three tries in Ireland A’s 53-0 rout of Fiji in a non-cap international at Thomond Park.

Fly-half Paddy Jackson got the Ireland scoring spree underway when he kicked the hosts into a seventh minute lead.

Gilroy was far too hot for Fiji to handle and he soon scored his first try, diving over in the corner after Marshall’s run and pass carved through the visitors.

Ireland’s second try came in the 21st minute when Gilroy weaved past several Fiji players before setting up McFadden for a try that needed confirmation from the replay officials.

Gilroy combined with scrum-half Conor Murray to lay on the next try for Cronin and Ulster centre Cave scored the fourth in the 31st minute, although Jackson missed the conversion.

McFadden’s second try, set up by captain Jamie Heaslip’s incisive run, continued the rout in the 44th minute.

Ireland were rampant now and Gilroy finished off a fine move which saw Jackson and Simon Zebo set up the opening.

Jackson and Iain Henderson laid the foundations for Ireland’s final try as centre Marshall touched down in the closing stages.