Ireland suffered the crushing disappointment of losing to the host nation Italy, 27-24, in their opening match in the IRB/FIRA under-19 World Cup in Treviso. Ireland led 19-7 at the interval but conceded 10 points within five minutes of the restart to allow Italy back into the match.

Italy Under-19 ... 27 Ireland Under-19 ... 24

Ireland started well taking the lead on six minutes with a try from London Irish left-wing Edward Hoadley. Right-wing Richard Lane was next to cross the Italy line on 24 minutes, a try converted by scrumhalf Daragh Geraghty. The UCD student also managed to add the points to Hoadley's second try just before the interval.

Team manager Michael Cunningham conceded: "All we needed was the first score after the break and the game was effectively over. Instead we conceded 10 points in the first five minutes and they were right back in the game."

Still the Irish side managed to stay ahead, flanker Richard Simms' try on 60 minutes edging them into a 24-17 lead. However, having closed the gap with a penalty, the Italians, much to the delight of the home crowd, scored a converted try two minutes into injury time to snatch victory. Cunningham conceded: "It is a devastating disappointment for all concerned."

Ireland will now face Korea on Sunday afternoon and the best they can manage from the remainder of the tournament is a ninth-place ranking, should they win their remaining matches. Italy will now play the defending champions New Zealand.