Australia’s under-20 rugby union team made a rocky start at the IRB junior world championship in France, losing 19-15 to Ireland.

The Australians outscored their opponents two tries to one, but were undone by poor discipline and the laser-like boot of Irish outside centre Tom Daly at Stade de la Rabine in Vannes.

And it doesn’t get any easier, as they next face four-time champions New Zealand on Sunday (Monday AEST).

Australia trailed 10-8 at the break, following a try to Tom Staniforth and penalty goal to Ulupano Seuteni, with Ireland’s points coming from a converted try and a penalty goal.

Australia added another five-pointer in the second half, courtesy of the blistering pace of Alex Northam, while Luke Burton added the conversion.

But a further three penalty goals to Ireland in the second half made the difference.

Australian coach Adrian Thompson was disappointed said the team knew how to improve before their next match against the Kiwis.

“I couldn’t fault the effort of the players,” Thompson said.

“Obviously we’re disappointed with the result and we need to learn to keep our discipline in check, but we’ve already turned our focus to our match against New Zealand.”