Following Ireland's 44-27 win over Wales in Colwyn Bay, we've taken a look at four players who stood out in a fiercely entertaining game which saw nine tries over the 80 minutes.
Brian Gleeson
We wrote about Gleeson's hurling roots earlier in the week, and some of those deft GAA handling skills were on show last night from a man who towered over most of those on the pitch.
He plays in a similar style to Munster's ball-carrying no. 8 expert Gavin Coombes, and secured a well deserved man-of-the-match.
His involvement in Ruadhán Quinn's second-half score was one of the highlights of the night.
THE HANDLING!!
Ireland 37- 20 Wales 🙌@PwCIreland #PwCIreland #FutureIsGreenpic.twitter.com/WVSu1mFGkg— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) February 3, 2023
Sam Prendergast
The Leinster outhalf already has a fairly stacked U20s highlight reel after a breakthrough Six Nations Nations Summer Series in Italy, and added to it again against the Welsh.
On top of that he marshalled his troops well, was assured from off the tee, and remained a calming presence even when Ireland were severely under the cosh in the first-half.
His step and offload assist for James Nicholson's try was outrageously good.
READ HERE: Sam Prendergast Heeds His Brother Cian's Advice As He Heads Into The U20s Six Nations
𝐈𝐑𝐄𝐋𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐀𝐑𝐄 𝐎𝐍 𝐈𝐓 𝐍𝐎𝐖! 🔥
Scintillating rugby! Nicholson with his second try! Prendergast brilliant again!
🏴 20-34 ☘️#WALvITA | #U20SixNations pic.twitter.com/kUi0Ge0ttL— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) February 3, 2023
James McNabney
The Ulsterman was one of three players returning from last year's Grand Slam winning squad, and showed off his carrying skills and athleticism in the first-half with line breaks and bulldozing runs, helping Ireland keep in touch within touching distance of the fast starting home side.
He is the epitome of a modern six, tall, athletic, quick, in the mould of Itoje/Lawes/Baird.
3 February 2023; James McNabney of Ireland in action against Archie Hughes of Walesduring the U20 Six Nations Rugby Championship match between Wales and Ireland at Stadium Zip World in Colwyn Bay, Wales. Photo by Paul Greenwood/Sportsfile
Paddy McCarthy
McCarthy was another one of the few men who really impressed in a first-half that was largely disappointing but featured a few flashes of Ireland's powerful potential.
At the heart of this was the brother of Ireland international Joe McCarthy, and the tighthead prop impressed in the scrum and touched down for a try of his own in the opening 40.
𝐈𝐑𝐄𝐋𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐓𝐑𝐘! 🟢
Paddy McCarthy gets Ireland's second try!
Sam Prendergast makes it a one-point game from the kick.
🏴 15-14 ☘️#WALvIRE | #U20SixNations pic.twitter.com/TqrlUxLGo8— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) February 3, 2023
SEE ALSO: 5 Irish Players Ready To Make A Huge Impact On This Year's U20 Six Nations
