Ireland entered this afternoon's clash against Scotland knowing that a victory would land them a Grand Slam in the U20 Six Nations, and while they looked like favourites to do so, few could have predicted just how convincing their performance would be.
With the senior side having fallen just short in their quest for the championship last night, there was to be no such repeat on this occasion.
Ireland were utterly dominant right from the first whistle, scoring their opening try after only five minutes.
WHAT A START! ☘️
Jack Boyle powers over for the @IrishRugby U20s!
The perfect start to this Grand Slam game!#IREvSCO #SixNationsU20 pic.twitter.com/rl6rEf4KI4— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) March 20, 2022
That was just a sign of things to come.
Ireland racked up a massive score in the opening 40 minutes, carrying a remarkable 33-0 lead into the interval after their fifth try of the match via Ben Carson.
A FIFTH TRY! 🟢
And what a moment for Ben Carson!
It was only in September that the @UlsterRugby man suffered a punctured spleen which made him wonder if he'd ever play rugby again!#IREvSCO #SixNationsU20 pic.twitter.com/kJPrFLZNhE— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) March 20, 2022
While the scoring rate did slow somewhat in the second half, Ireland continued to pile the misery on the visitors.
This try from Andrew Devine was probably the pick of the bunch.
DEVINE INTERVENTION! 🔥
WHAT A TRY! ☘️
That is just brilliant from the @connachtrugby man!#IREvSCO #SixNationsU20 pic.twitter.com/pp8sf0UhJG— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) March 20, 2022
They would have their seventh try of the evening just before the hour mark, with James McCormack powering over to finish off a strong set-piece.
A SEVENTH TRY! 🟢@IrishRugby are absolutely cruising to this Grand Slam!#IREvSCO #SixNationsU20 pic.twitter.com/EMvnIyDUxz
— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) March 20, 2022
Ireland would still have time to run in two more tries before the end of the contest, ultimately running out 59-5 winners.
Few could argue that they didn't deserve this Grand Slam.
𝗚𝗥𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗦𝗟𝗔𝗠 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗠𝗣𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦! 🏆#FutureIsGreen | #U20SixNations pic.twitter.com/aibaDtB3th
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) March 20, 2022
This is Ireland's first Grand Slam in this event since 2019, with the 2020 edition having been cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic. Prior to that, their other most recent championship came back in 2010.
This certainly bodes well for the future of Irish rugby. The likes of Craig Casey, Ryan Baird, and Harry Byrne have gone on to feature at senior level after starring for the U20s in 2019, with that list likely to grow further in the years ahead.
A number of players in this side will be looking to follow that path, but for now they will be enjoying what has been a remarkable season up to this point.
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