Emerging Ireland secured a 29-24 win over Western Force in the second game of their three-match series in South Africa.

Ulster’s Jude Postlethwaite scored the first try for Simon Easterby’s side in Bloemfontein, while Chay Mullins, Sean Jansen and Alex Kendellen also touched before half-time.

Western Force hit back with tries from Mac Grealy and Justin Landman, but the Australian side still trailed 26-14 at half-time.

A Nic Dolly try and Coby Miln’s conversion cut Emerging Ireland’s lead to five points, but Sam Prendergast’s late penalty helped seal the game.

Emerging Ireland got off to a promising start when center Postlethwaite made his way over the try line after a strong carry.

The Irish continued to dominate the first quarter, with Connacht winger Mullins finishing things off with a well-worked backs move before Jansen crashed to the ground after a series of strong carries and clever offloads.

The momentum shifted towards Western Force who reduced the deficit with a quick double from Mac Grealy and Landman.

But a try from Munster flanker Kendellen extended Ireland’s lead before the break.

Western Force took advantage of a period of pressure in the second half as hooker Dolly scrambled off the back of a lineout stick while Miln added the extras.

But Prendergast’s 75th-minute penalty – Emerging Ireland’s only goal of the second half – gave his side plenty of cushion despite Miln’s further penalty for Western Force.

Emerging Ireland defeated the Pumas 36-24 in their tour opener and will conclude their series with a game against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein on Wednesday.

Emerging Ireland: Andrew Osborne, Chay Mullins, Hugh Cooney, Jude Postlethwaite, Sean O’Brien, Sam Prendergast, Ethan Coughlan; Alex Usanov, Gus McCarthy, Ronan Foxe, Cormac Izuchukwu, Conor O’Tighearnaigh, Alex Soroka, Alex Kendellen (captain), Sean Jansen.

Substitute: Danny Sheahan, Scott Wilson, Jack Aungier, Evan O’Connell, Sean Edogbo, Cormac Foley, Charlie Tector, Hugh Gavin.

Western power: Mac Grealy; Justin Landman, Harry Potter, Sio Tomkinson, Ronan Leahy; Max Burey, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa; Harry Hoopert, Nic Dolly, Tom Robertson, Sam Carter, Darcy Swain, Will Harris, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Reed Prinsep (lead actor).

Substitute: Tom Horton, Marley Pearce, Tiaan Tauakipulu, Lopeti Faifua, Titi Nofoagatotoa, Henry Robertson, Coby Miln, Divad Palu.