Emerging Ireland started their tour of South Africa with a strong 36-24 win over the Pumas in Bloemfontein.

Sevens star Zac Ward, who is transitioning back into the 15s game after impressing at the Paris Olympics, showed pace and power to score Ireland’s first try in the 15th minute.

Darragh Murray crossed for a second Irish score, but the Pumas grew into the game and hit back when Lundi Msenge darted over.

Ulster forward Cormac Izuchukwu powered over in the final play of the half to give Ireland a 19-7 lead at the break.

Hooker Stephen Smyth crashed over and extended their lead in the opening stages of the second half after a superb break by Ulster’s Harry Sheridan, but the South Africans kept in touch when the impressive Tino Swanepoel sprinted over in the corner.

Front rows Gus McCarthy and Eduan Swart exchanged scores, but the game was decided when a penalty try was awarded with six minutes to play.

Phiko Sobahle was sent to the sin-bin for a deliberate knock-on when Ireland had three players queuing up to score, and that gave the visitors the daylight required to see out the match despite a late consolation try by full-back Swanepoel.

Simon Easterby’s side are back in action on Sunday against Western Force, and finish their tour against the Cheetahs on Wednesday, 9 October.