Ireland got their U20s Six Nations campaign off to a soaring start against Scotland in Cardiff today.
The Ireland U20s - who are sponsored by PwC - took full advantage of a Scottish red card just after half-time to take a comfortable 38-7 win, with a bonus point to make things sweeter. This competition, of course, was delayed by covid. Ireland topped the table in both of the previous two U20s Six Nations, and continued their brilliant form in this tournament today.
#FutureIsGreen
📺 Sit back and enjoy all the 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 as Ireland U20s returned to #U20SixNations action in style 🍿🟢#ShoulderToShoulder #IrishRugby #SCOvIRE @PwCIreland pic.twitter.com/piwPzerKlG— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) June 19, 2021
Ireland U20s take comfortable win against Scotland
Ireland got off to a perfect start, with flanker Alex Soroka going over for the opening try of the game within three minutes. After a few goes at it, the Leinster man - who made his Pro14 debut this season - burrowed deep to get over the line, giving Ireland a dream start.
Alex Soroka is opening the game! 🔥 #SixNationsU20
🏴 Scotland v Ireland☘️ pic.twitter.com/Y7kcRPFOCN— Guinness Six Nations (@SixNationsRugby) June 19, 2021
Soroka garnered praise from RTÉ commentator Donal Lenihan for his ball-carrying during the first-half, but the team as a whole played a hugely exciting brand of rugby the entire way through the game.
Scotland had a bright spell towards the end of the first-half, and drew level at 7-7, before a chaotic sequence of play led to an Irish penalty try. After the ball bounced around in the middle of the field, Ireland flanker Oisin McCormack chased the ball toward the try line before being dragged down by Michael Gray.
Gray received a sin-bin for his troubles, and Scotland went in 14-7 down at the break. It was after half-time that the wheels really fell off for Scotland, as flanker Harri Morris was sent off within mere seconds of the second-half starting. That was all Ireland needed to take control of the game.
They put another try on the board just a minute later, making the most of their brief two-man advantage. Tighthead prop Sam Illo of Leinster went over for Ireland's third try after a big push from the Irish pack.
Another early try from Ireland! ⚡️
🏴 Scotland v Ireland☘️ #SixNationsU20
@SixNationsU20 pic.twitter.com/TGLeMZeh7r— Guinness Six Nations (@SixNationsRugby) June 19, 2021
Captain Alex Kendellen sealed the bonus point with just over 20 minutes to go, and Ireland were firmly on top in the closing stages of the game. The highlight for Ireland was a sensational try from Connacht's Shane Jennings, who showed incredible pace to burn past the Scottish defence and give Ireland a fifth try.
Great run from Shane Jennings!!! 🔥🏃♂️
🏴 Scotland v Ireland☘️ #SixNationsU20 @IrishRugby @Scotlandteam@SixNationsU20 pic.twitter.com/dUdI1UiawV— Guinness Six Nations (@SixNationsRugby) June 19, 2021
A sixth try followed from Leinster fullback Jamie Osborne, sealing a 38-7 win for head coach Richie Murphy's men.
The opening game of the Six Nations could hardly have gone better for the Ireland U20s, who are sponsored by PwC. Ireland now look ahead to their upcoming games with a maximum five points on the board after their win over Scotland.
They now look forward to their second game of the championship against Wales this Friday night at 8pm.
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