OISÍN MINOGUE’S sin-binning ended Ireland’s comeback bid as England kicked off the defence of their Under-20 Six Nations title with victory in Cork.
The Red Rose were leading 9-3 in the 67th minute when the unlucky Munster flanker, who had just been introduced, was punished for collapsing a maul.
Minogue was sent to the bin and England were awarded a penalty try to make it 16-3.
With Ireland down to 14 men, the visitors saw the game out, with Ben Coen adding to his three first-half penalties.
The champions led 9-3 at the interval, with Sam Wisniewski kicking Ireland’s only score.
England were down to 13 men at one point when Junior Kpoku was shown a 20-minute red for a shoulder to the head.
Captain Tom Burrow followed him for ten minutes after slapping the ball out of Clark Logan’s hands.
