Ireland U20s completed a largely disappointing World Rugby U20 championship yesterday with a narrow victory over Scotland to claim seventh place, and a potentially awkward third seed for next year's competition.
It was almost a promising competition, as they dispatched of strong Argentinian and Scottish sides before falling to the eventual champions New Zealand. In the playoffs, a strong Welsh side beat them 22-12, after also beating them 19-12 in the Six Nations.
That doesn't mean that there wasn't impressive performances from the Irish players, and here are the six best showings from players
Andrew Porter (Loosehead Prop / Leinster)
When Jeremy Loughman went down injured after just 11 minutes of the first game of the championship, no one expected that Ireland wouldn't miss him at all. U19 prop Andrew Porter stepped up to the challenge and was part of a vastly improved Irish scrum, as well as showing up with some good carries in the loose.
He will be the starter for Ireland next year, and is a great prospect. Pity about his hair though.
Conan O'Donnell (Tighthead Prop / Connacht)
When a tighthead prop is shining of the screen during a game, you take notice. U19 tighthead O'Donnell struggled a little at the Six Nations at scrumtime, but the improvement in the space of three months was extraordinary.
Possesses Mike Ross type ability to adjust mid-game, and more than held his own against bigger, older and scarier props. Will anchor the Irish scrum next year, and will feature for Connacht before long.
Alex Thompson (Second Row / Ulster)
Alex Thompson had an outstanding opening game, and was the difference between the two sides. With Zach McCall struggling with his throwing, Thompson's lineout ability managed to snap several lineouts, and his defense was outstanding. Ulster's locking stocks aren't overflowing at the moment, and it's promising to see Thompson play so well.
Joey Carberry (Outhalf / Leinster)
Joey Carberry probably got a lot more playing time in the tournament than he expected, but when Ross Byrne had to pull out injured, Carberry stepped up admirably. His running game was a feature throughout, as was his impressive kicking game and passing. He showed that he is a very good player, and should make a good step up to the pros, albeit possibly at inside centre to utilise his running skills a bit better.
Jacob Stockdale (Wing / Ulster)
The third player that showed up well that's underage and will be a big feature of the side for next year's competition. Jacob Stockdale has been making waves in underage circles for a while, and an ill-timed injury disrupted his Six Nations. Finally back fit, Irish fans got the first chance to see the highly-rated Stockdale. Comfortable all across the backline, Stockdale's pace and footwork are big features of his game.
Probably will end up as an outside centre, but impressed people this year.
Stephen Fitzgerald (Wing / Munster)
There is an argument to be made that Stephen Fitzgerald was one of Ireland's best backs both in the Six Nations, but especially in the World Rugby U20 championships. Two tries against Scotland in the final game, as well as a star performance against Argentina represent a good showing. He's one of the best backs to come out of Munster since the promise of Keith Earls, and that includes Simon Zebo and JJ Hanrahan.
