Ireland's rugby future is certainly bright if the performance given by the boys in green in Saturday's Youth international at Ravenhill is to be taken as a gauge.

They outplayed a disappointing Scotland side upfront and revealed enterprise and initiative behind the scrum and in Jeremy Staunton Ireland had the outstanding player on the park. Not only did he contribute 15 points but he had a hand in other scores and generally orchestrated his team's strategy. It was Staunton who sent them on their way with a third minute penalty and when Brian Davies went in for a try before Staunton added his second penalty, the home side had gained a 11-0 cushion.

Two penalties from Graham Lind kept the Scots in contention before Jerry Brady went in for a superb Irish try which Staunton converted in the 49th minute. Lind's third penalty ensured that the Irish had no cause for complacency but a further try from Staunton which he himself converted left Ireland comfortable. A late try from Andrew McNair provided small comfort for the comprehensively beaten Scots.