Ireland U20s have won a historic and ground breaking Six Nations Grand Slam, with a 36-24 win over England at Musgrave Park.
They have become the first side to complete a senior and U20s Grand Slam in the same year, and the first side to achieve back-to-back U20s Grand Slams.
A Pulsating Encounter
Ireland started the match in a furious fashion and scored an early try through winger Hugh Gavin.
However, despite dominating the opening quarter, England found themselves in a 5-7 lead with a first-phase try from Tobias Elliot.
Ireland managed to rally, and went into half-time with a 12-7 lead, after Brian Gleeson touched down thanks to a lightning quick maul.
Ireland U20s vs England U20s
Here's that first try from Gavin 🔥
Ireland have been utterly dominant in territory and possession but it remains 5-0 with 13 minutes gone.@PwCIreland #PwCIreland #FutureIsGreenpic.twitter.com/CKTquOS0cp— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) March 19, 2023
This would have been the try of the tournament 😭
Ridiculous hands in wet weather and a phenomenal try saving tackle.@PwCIreland #PwCIreland #FutureIsGreenpic.twitter.com/PXRXbAqbuM— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) March 19, 2023
Ireland are back in the lead thanks to a devastating maul 💪
Brian Gleeson is the man to touch down and Prendergast adds the extras from a tough angle.
Ireland U20s lead 12-7 after 32 minutes.@PwCIreland #PwCIreland #FutureIsGreenpic.twitter.com/e6CEP4stE3— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) March 19, 2023
𝐍𝐎 𝐓𝐑𝐘! ❌
It looked like England had got the perfect start to the second half but Lewis Chessum's effort is disallowed after a TMO check!#IREvENG #U20SixNations pic.twitter.com/uISN9VMtRE— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) March 19, 2023
The red card for a dangerous tackle on Henry McErlean.
Unlucky given McErlean's momentum, but the referee didn't have much choice.pic.twitter.com/4md3uGXjIc— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) March 19, 2023
Ireland U20s have pulled away in the second half and now lead 31-10, with the last try coming for Hugh Gavin.
Not Prendergast's best strike but it worked out beautifully 🍀pic.twitter.com/aBVAEk9zaq— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) March 19, 2023
𝐅𝐈𝐍𝐓𝐀𝐍 𝐆𝐔𝐍𝐍𝐄! ☘️
That is brilliant from the scrum-half!
Ireland on the brink of back-to-back Grand Slams!!!#IREvENG #U20SixNations pic.twitter.com/pk9SAbFGiK— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) March 19, 2023
𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐒𝐋𝐀𝐌 𝐆𝐋𝐎𝐑𝐘! 🏆
Ireland U20s beat England in Cork to complete a @SixNationsU20 Grand Slam!
What an achievement from Richie Murphy and this extremely talented young squad!
What a weekend for @IrishRugby! ☘️#IREvENG #U20SixNations pic.twitter.com/BaoXlEiBuQ— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) March 19, 2023
READ HERE: The Ireland Players Had A Ball Celebrating Their Grand Slam Triumph
England thought they had drawn level when Lewis Chessum charged down a Fintan Gunne box kick at the beginning of the second half.
Thankfully the referee spotted that he may not have grounded the ball, and overturned the score before the conversion was taken.
Ireland then began to turn the screw, with George Hadden going over from close range, while England were reduced to 13 men after Tobias Elliot was sent to the bin and Monty Bradbury was sent off for a dangerous tackle on Henry McErlean.
Player of the Match Brian Gleeson added his second of day, before Gavin also got his second when he got on the end of a Sam Prendergast cross-field kick.
England managed to mount a mini comeback, taking the score from 31-10 to 31-24, but Fintan Gunne secured the win with a late try.
SEE ALSO: English Media Reaction To Ireland Winning The Six Nations Grand Slam
