An 83rd minute try from Finn Treacy saw Ireland U20s snatch a 22-16 win at the death against Georgia in the World Rugby U20 Championship.
It wasn't the dominant performance that some expected after Ireland's 55-15 win over Italy last Saturday but Ireland did start off the match well through a try from a returning Hugh Gavin with just a couple of minutes on the clock.
The Georgian scrum was very strong as expected and they used it as a platform to get into the Irish half but handily errors and discipline plagued their attack in the first half as Ireland were able to keep them at arm's length.
With what felt like only their second or third visit in the Georgian 22, Ireland scored another try, this time through hooker Stephen Smyth. Smyth did really well to stay in play and dive in the corner as Ireland's lead grew to 12 points.
No time wasted in pushing the score for @IrishRugby 👏
Watch them live and for free on RugbyPass TV 📺#WorldRugbyU20s | #IREvGEO pic.twitter.com/gXJeb4eU4w
— World Rugby (@WorldRugby) July 4, 2024
Two penalties late into the first half by Georgian fly half Luka Tsirekidze brought Georgia to within one score heading into the break as it looked like momentum was shifting in favour of the 'Junior Lelos.'
They came out firing in the second half and ultimately took the lead after captain Nika Lomidze caught Ireland lacking around the breakdown to ran in under the posts with Tsirekidze adding the conversion.
Ireland really struggled to get out of their own half after the break as Georgia's power was immense in both attack as well as defence with some ferocious hits flying in. Sean Naughton and Tsirekidze both exchanged penalties as Georgia remained ahead by one point 16-15 after the hour mark.
Ireland Head Coach Willie Faloon made some key substitutes as it looked like Ireland could be on the verge of an upset. Brian Gleeson, Alan Spicer and Jack Murphy were all introduced and made an impact but Ireland were still unable to breakthrough the Georgian defence as the clock ticked towards 80.
A late knock-on from Georgia gave Ireland possession around the halfway line with just a couple of minutes left as Ireland just needed a score of any kind to win.
There was some great keeping of possession with some monster carries from the likes of Sean Edogbo and Gleeson. The phases were reminiscent of the men's team last attack against New Zealand in the World Cup last year.
However it would be different ending this time around as Jack Murphy was able to get the ball out to Connacht man Finn Treacy who stayed composed, caught the bouncing ball and ran it into the corner to win Ireland the match.
Some way to get a last-minute winner 👏
Finn Treacy steps up with the score for @IrishRugby 🤩#WorldRugbyU20s | #IREvGEO pic.twitter.com/OTlBVwoIKW
— World Rugby (@WorldRugby) July 4, 2024
It wasn't a vintage performance from this Ireland U20s team but winning when playing poorly is a sign of a good team. This side never knows when its beaten as they showed in the Six Nations earlier this year against Italy and England.
They'll need to put in a better shift next Tuesday as they face Australia in the final game of the pool stage. Finishing top of the group is crucial and Australia are no slouches.
This Ireland U20s team never ceases to amaze and being able to fight to the death will only benefit them as the tournament goes on.
