Wales offered little resistance at Virgin Media Park this evening, as the Ireland U20s ran out 43-8 winners, and stayed in the hunt for a third U20s Six Nations Grand Slam in-a-row.
Ireland were inconsistent in the opening 40, and not much better than they were in their one point win over Italy two weeks ago, but dominated up front in the second-half.
Tries from Sean Edogbo, Hugh Gavin, Henry Walker, Danny Sheahan x2, and Ben O'Connor, along with points from boots of Jack Murphy and Sean Naughton, gave them a relatively easy win in the end.
Ireland U20s Vs Wales U20s: First-Half
One of Ireland's biggest faults against Italy was their inability to deal with restarts, and this unfortunate trait continued in the early stages of today's game.
Thankfully Wales were unable to take too much of an advantage, and after trading penalty scores with Ireland, it was the home side who went over for the game's first try.
It was the hero against Italy, Sean Edgbo, as he drove over from close range, despite the desperate efforts from multiple Welsh defenders.
Inside centre Hugh Gavin, who had been eating up yards in contact, got his just rewards when he powered over for a score of his own on the stroke of half-time.
Jack Murphy added the extras to give the Ireland U20s a 17-3 lead at the break.
READ HERE: Balls.ie's Greatest Ireland U20s XV Of All-Time
Edogbo picks up where he left off against Italy, showing incredible power to surge over from close range.
Ireland U20s 10-3 Wales U20s@PwCIreland #FutureIsGreenpic.twitter.com/WcZimnrSSi
— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) February 23, 2024
Here's that try from Hugh Gavin.
He has been superb so far in the tournament.
Shades of Stuart McCloskey in contact.@PwCIreland #FutureIsGreenpic.twitter.com/UTp76Ul4QU
— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) February 23, 2024
Ireland U20s Vs Wales U20s: Second-Half
The second-half was all about the set-piece.
Ireland's lineout and maul was the provider for three of the four tries, while the replacement props were dominant at scrum time.
Henry Walker went over for the first lineout/maul score, before sub hooker Danny Sheahan benefitted for two of his own, with man of the match Evan O'Connell and Sean Edogbo reliable targets for the no.2s to hit.
Wales managed a try of their own, but Ireland finished off the scoring with their flashiest try of the evening, when Finn Treacy broke the line and fed Ben O'Connor who went over for yet another try in Musgrave Park.
Ireland's next game is against England on March 8 (kick-off 7.15pm) at the Recreation Ground in Bath, in what will likely the Championship decider.
Efficient from Ireland, as hooker Henry Walker goes over after strong set-piece.
Wales have since scored their first try of the evening. Ire U20s 24 - 8
Wales U20s@PwCIreland #FutureIsGreenpic.twitter.com/XjcNYeNhwt
— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) February 23, 2024
Replacement hooker Danny Sheahan goes over for the first of his two second-half tries, securing the bonus point for Ireland 🍀
Wales cannot handle Ireland's set-piece at the minute.
Ire U20s 36 - 8 Wal U20s@PwCIreland #FutureIsGreenpic.twitter.com/a9Evqrh8OW
— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) February 23, 2024
Ireland's final try and their flashiest of the night.
Great to see local boy Ben O'Connor get to stretch the legs.@PwCIreland #futureisgreen pic.twitter.com/BEOlvDbXbC
— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) February 23, 2024
SEE ALSO: Ireland U20s Prop Praises Superior Setup After Making Switch From England
