Two second-half tries from Rob Armstrong helped Ireland come from behind to beat Malta 34-22 in a friendly in Pembroke, Malta.

After their game against Serbia was suspended last week, Ireland started quickly with Gareth Gill touching down.

Rugby League England players pay respects to mark centenary of end of First World War 21/10/2018 AT 13:46

However Malta responded through Jean-Pierre Zarb and the two sides continued to trade blows, with Conor Mackey and Jake Lynch touching down before Kaine Dimech scored on his debut.

Casey Dunne, who was reliable with the boot, scored on the brink of half time to make it 20-18 at the break, before they pulled away in the second period.

Armstrong scored twice, the second an 80-metre intercept try to give Ireland a healthy lead which they held on to claim a hard-fought win.

Rugby League Wigan stand by Zak Hardaker but tell full-back he has making up to do 19/10/2018 AT 11:10