Emerging Ireland second in Tbilisi Cup after win over Uruguay

Sloppy final quarter that saw concession of three tries will concern coach Allen Clarke

Emerging Ireland 42 Uruguay 33: Ian Keatley touched down twice and converted all six of Emerging Ireland's tries as they claimed a 42-33 bonus-point win over Uruguay to finish runners-up in the Tbilisi Cup.

The South Africa President's XV were crowned champions after their third straight victory - a 21-16 defeat of Georgia - left Allen Clarke's side with the sole aim of leapfrogging second-placed Georgia in the final table.

They went about their business in clinical fashion in the first 20 minutes, crossing three times as Keatley grabbed a brace and winger Tiernan O’Halloran also touched down for a 21-7 lead.

Two high quality scores from Niall Morris, allied to a Niall Annett try from a clever lineout move, pushed Clarke's charges 42-14 in front by the hour mark. But Clarke and his coaching staff will have been disappointed with a sloppy final quarter during which the Uruguayans struck for three tries and their forwards found a second wind.

READ SOME MORE

Juan Gaminara and Franco Lamanna, two of their pack powerhouses, added their second tries of the game and centre Alberto Roman also reached over from close range as the South Americans - pointless in the table and without a try before today - ended the tournament on a real high.