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NEW PLYMOUTH, 11 Sept. - Tommy Bowe’s irresistible running got Ireland’s Rugby World Cup off to a flying start with a 22-10 victory over USA on Sunday.
The wing scored his second try on the hour as Ireland’s powerful forwards began to exert their authority in the wet conditions at Stadium Taranaki.
The last word went to the Eagles, however, as Paul Emerick crossed for an interception try, converted by Nese Malifa.
Earlier, hooker Rory Best went over in the corner from a lineout to give Ireland some breathing space after James Paterson had kicked a penalty to bring USA within a score.
The game was characterised by intense Irish attacking and determined Eagles defence, marshalled by captain Todd Clever.
Ireland pounded the USA line throughout but it wasn’t until the stroke of half-time that they breached the Eagles’ defence through Bowe’s first try.
He crossed after the pack won a scrum against the head – an area where the Irish had their opponents on the back foot throughout.
That score, converted by Jonathan Sexton, gave Ireland a 10-0 half-time lead, but the greasy ball affected goal-kicking, the fly half missing four of his five penalty attempts before being replaced by Ronan O'Gara.
Sexton had notched Ireland’s first points of this campaign with a 17th-minute penalty, and Paterson had the chance to level for USA shortly afterwards but pushed his kick wide.
The Eagles' Takudzwa Ngwenya caught the eye early on with both his dangerous running and Stars and Stripes headgear.
The teams earlier gathered for a moment's silence before the national anthems to mark those who lost their lives in the events of 11 September, 2001.
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