Ulster ace Baloucoune marks Ireland debut with stunning solo score

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Robert Baloucoune

Q Radio Sport

Ronan Kelleher claimed a record-equalling four tries and debutant Robert Baloucoune conjured a stunning solo score as an experimental Ireland team surged to a 71-10 win over USA.

Leinster hooker Kelleher became the first Ireland player since Denis Hickie in August 2003 to ground four times in one match, with Brian Robinson and Keith Wood the only other men to achieve the feat.

Ulster wing Baloucoune, one of eight test newcomers to feature for Andy Farrell's side on Saturday evening, set the hosts on course to a comfortable 10-try success after bursting clear with a mesmerising run from halfway.

Provincial team-mate and fellow debutant Nick Timoney was also on the scoresheet at the Aviva Stadium, along with Stuart McCloskey, Hugo Keenan, Gavin Coombes and Finlay Bealham, while Joey Carbery, Harry Byrne and Will Addison kicked 13, six and two points respectively.

The overawed USA faded fast from a promising start and a first-half penalty from Athlone-born number 10 Luke Carty - younger brother of Connacht's Jack - and a late converted Michael Baska try were scant consolation.

A gruelling experience for Gary Gold's visitors was compounded by a 54th-minute red card for flanker Riekert Hattingh for ploughing his shoulder into Kelleher's chin.

Also on Saturday evening, victory for Tyrone:

 

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