The wraps came off the IRB Under-19 World Championship this week, with tournament director Simon Jelowitz predicting Belfast will be the biggest and best.

The B Division opened yesterday.
Tonga, Italy, Chile, Georgia, USA and Canada recorded wins on the opening day of action in Division B of the IRB under-19 World Championship 2007.

Sione Toke scored 16 of Tonga's points as they defeated Uruguay 36-5 in their opening match in Bangor. In the other early kick offs, Italy outclassed Chinese Taipei 62-6 at Malone and Chile defeated Cook Islands 29-14 at Queen's.


Later on, Georgia began their quest to regain Division A status with a 28-0 victory over Romania in Bangor.


Two Hamish Roberts penalties in the first half were sufficient to give USA a 6-0 win against Russia at Malone. The game at Queen's was another low-scoring affair, Canada edging past Zimbabwe 8-0.

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The big guns then enter the tournament today (Thursday), with Ireland's campaign getting underway against reigning champions Australia at Ravenhill (7.30pm).


The University of Ulster at Jordanstown was awash with colour and pre-tournament buzz yesterday for the official launch and open media session with all of the participants.


And Jelowitz is in no doubt that the next three weeks will be fantastic experience.

"Age-grade rugby is now firmly established as an integral part of the IRB's calendar.
"It provides a platform for future stars and is also a development tournament for many countries across the world.
"With the standard of this tournament increasing year-on-year, I have no doubt that we will see a number of future high quality international stars in action in Belfast over the next few weeks.
"The IRB has an obligation to develop the best players for the future and in that we have committed £2.4m to fund this tournament.
"We are delighted this tournament is being hosted in Northern Ireland and Belfast, a city with an outstanding culture and rich history.
"There are also a number of very important community and cultural features to the tournament and I hope the teams will enjoy their stay here and immerse themselves in the culture."

Jelowitz also believes that rugby supporters in the province can look forward to a special treat.

" This tournament offers the irresistible mix of world class rugby, competitive matches and wonderful hospitality from our six venues," he added.
"The final will of course be hosted at Ravenhill a fantastic venue with a proud history and renowned for its fantastic atmosphere.
"The success of the tournament will be judged by the standard of rugby on the field and a huge amount of credit must go to the team coaches and the players, for without their huge commitment and effort, we would have nothing. "

Ireland coach Charlie McAleese admitted their was big expectation on his side's shoulders as the host nation.

"We open our campaign against Australia at Ravenhill on Thursday," said McAleese.
"We have great respect for Australia - they had a wonderful side in Dubai last season and won the tournament - and also for Scotland and South Africa.
"We are fully aware of the challenges that lie ahead of us but the home-based crowd will be a 16th man for us.
"Whether they are called Blarney Army or another title, if they are noisy enough they will give them a title!"

Australia coach Phil Mooney said his side were looking forward to taking on the host nation at Ravenhill.

"We have a had fantastic welcome so far but I expect it will be a different story on Thursday night!" he said.

Source: Belfast Telegraph