Emerging Ireland 29-24 Western Force: Simon Easterby’s side edge win in Bloemfontein

Emerging Ireland held on to secure a 29-24 win over Western Force in the second game of their three-match series in South Africa.

Ulster’s Jude Postlethwaite notched the opening try for Simon Easterby’s side in Bloemfontein with Chay Mullins, Sean Jansen and Alex Kendellen also touching before half-time.

Western Force hit back with tries from Mac Grealy and Justin Landman but the Australian side still trailed 26-14 at half-time.

A Nic Dolly try and Coby Miln conversion cut Emerging Ireland’s lead to five points but Sam Prendergast’s late penalty helped close out the game.

Emerging Ireland got off to a promising start with centre Postlethwaite powering his way over the try-line after a strong carry.

The Irish continued to dominate the opening quarter with Connacht winger Mullins providing the finish to a well worked backs move before Jansen crashed over following a series of strong carries and slick offloads.

The momentum switched in the direction of Western Force who scored a quickfire double from Mac Grealy and Landman to reduce the deficit.

However, a maul try from Munster flanker Kendellen increased Ireland’s lead before the break.

Western Force capitalised on a period of pressure in the second half, with hooker Dolly burrowing his way over from the back of a lineout maul as Miln added the extras.

But Prendergast’s 75th-minute penalty – Emerging Ireland’s only second-half score – gave his side a sufficient cushion despite Miln’s further penalty for Western Force.

Emerging Ireland defeated the Pumas 36-24 in their tour opener and will complete their series of games with a contest against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein on Wednesday.

Emerging Ireland: Andrew Osborne, Chay Mullins, Hugh Cooney, Jude Postlethwaite, Sean O’Brien, Sam Prendergast, Ethan Coughlan; Alex Usanov, Gus McCarthy, Ronan Foxe, Cormac Izuchukwu, Conor O’Tighearnaigh, Alex Soroka, Alex Kendellen (captain), Sean Jansen.

Replacements: Danny Sheahan, Scott Wilson, Jack Aungier, Evan O’Connell, Sean Edogbo, Cormac Foley, Charlie Tector, Hugh Gavin.

Western Force: Mac Grealy; Justin Landman, Harry Potter, Sio Tomkinson, Ronan Leahy; Max Burey, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa; Harry Hoopert, Nic Dolly, Tom Robertson, Sam Carter, Darcy Swain, Will Harris, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Reed Prinsep (capt).

Replacements: Tom Horton, Marley Pearce, Tiaan Tauakipulu, Lopeti Faifua, Titi Nofoagatotoa, Henry Robertson, Coby Miln, Divad Palu.