Ireland U20s are left licking their wounds this morning after yesterday's 50-14 hammering at the hands of an amazing French side.
While France were awesome, particularly in their second-showing which they won 33-0, Ireland will be disappointed at their performance after failing to put their opponents under any serious pressure in the second 40.
Despite this, it was a serious learning curve for the side, who beat France in this year's Six Nations, and who had to battle through tragic circumstances after the death of Greig Oliver, Max Wall, and Andrew O'Donnell.
After the match, head coach Richie Murphy spoke of his side's experience in South Africa and the disappointment of failing to perform in the final:
It’s disappointing obviously when you get to a final, you only ever want to win. We go home with a silver medal which we are extremely proud about, but today was about the final and France were deserved winners.
They played really good rugby and we weren’t quite at the level today. I said last week that I was proud of this team before they ever came to Cape Town. They’ve built on that over the course of the year going back to when we started in October.
They came here as boys and I think they’ll leave as very mature young men who have an incredible experience as a group.
I’m extremely proud of Gus (McCarthy), our captain, and the rest of the guys. They’ve been incredible to work with.
Ireland U20s Well Beaten In World Championship Final
Here's that score from Gunne 🔥pic.twitter.com/F1xT4boGS2
— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) July 14, 2023
𝐉𝐎𝐇𝐍 𝐃𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐍𝐄! 🟢
That's a huge try from the Ireland centre who has been brilliant in this tournament!
Prendergast with a great kick to add the two!
☘️ 14-7 🇫🇷 #WorldRugbyU20s pic.twitter.com/zz7WU0VLq5
— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) July 14, 2023
READ HERE: The U20s Giant Who Traded A Hurley And Tipp Colours For An Oval Ball And A Green Jersey
“We came into the game knowing that the French are very dangerous especially around that breakdown area," said captain Gus McCarthy after the game.
"We got opened up a few times around there. Credit to the French for playing some great rugby. I’m very proud of the lads. We kept fighting like we always do, but there are some things we didn’t get right today. I wish we had done better but that’s rugby.
“I haven’t played any team like that. The intensity they play at is so exhilarating and so hard to play against.”
SEE ALSO: Ireland U20s Routed By Magnificent French In World Championship Final
