THE touring Ireland Schools rugby team recorded their fifth successive win, but had to work hard for it in the 24-degree heat of the Waratah Stadium in Sydney yesterday.

The Irish went ahead after 20 minutes when outhalf Brian O'Mahony landed a penalty goal from in front of the posts 25 metres out. Right wing Rory Collins stretched the lead with an unconverted try just before the break to leave Ireland ahead 8-0.

A minute into the second half number eight Leo Cullen won a good line out, the pack drove on and flanker Richard Woods got the touchdown. In the 50th minute NSW's Brendan Williams got in for a try which Tierney Mullen converted, leaving the score 13-7 to the Irish, but Peter Stringer sent O'Mahony in for another unconverted try 10 minutes on.