A superb clear round by Cathal Daniels has powered Ireland's eventing team into the lead after today's (Saturday) cross-country stage of the Nations' Cup final leg at Boekelo, Netherlands.

With the team lying seventh overnight, Daniels fired up the Irish challenge by posting the first clear round of the day on board Irish Sport Horse Rioghan Rua. Already a six-time European medallist at underage level Daniels, who began his riding career at Tynagh Pony Club, is making his senior team debut at this event, and now lies in fifth place in the individual standings on a score of 48.30 penalties.

Jonty Evans, the last of the Irish team quartet in action today, collected 8.80 time penalties with another Irish Sport Horse Cooley Rorkes Drift. The pairing lie in 13th place overall on 51.50. In between, Padriag McCarthy riding Simon Porloe got around at the expense of 5.60 time penalties to slot into 27th place on a total of 57.90, while Joseph Murphy on Irish Sport Horse Westwind Hercules picked up 6.80 time penalties to lie in 32nd position on 60.10.

Ireland now leads the Nations' Cup on a combined score of 157.70, with New Zealand close behind on 158.00, and the USA in third on 170.00.

Best of the non-team Irish riders is Ciaran Glynn who occupies 23rd position with Irish Sport Horse November Night on 54.90 penalties.

The show jumping phase will complete the competition tomorrow (Sunday), on what could be a remarkable day of team sport for Ireland.