Ireland's World Rugby U20 Championship campaign got off to a winning start as they demolished Italy 55-15 in Cape Town.
This match also marked the beginning of a new era for the Ireland U20s as Willie Falloon took charge of his first game since being announced as the replacement for Richie Murphy who became the permanent Head Coach at Ulster.
It was a fast start for Ireland as with their first attack of the game Ireland's backs switched to the blindside with some great interlink play between Jack Murphy and Sam Berman which left Danny Sheahan open on the outside and the Cork Con hooker was able to cross over the line to give Ireland their first score after just two minutes.
Fast hands, pure strength 😤@IrishRugby waste no time to open the scoring! 🙌#WorldRugbyU20s | #IREvITA pic.twitter.com/HASskyunB6
— World Rugby (@WorldRugby) June 29, 2024
Italy clapped back almost immediately with a try of their own through Lorenzo Elettri as it looked like there would be another nail-biter of a game to follow the 23-22 win in the Six Nations in February.
Italy remained in it for the next while before Ireland were able to turn the screw halfway through the first half. Luke Murphy finished off a good team move before Sam Berman scored two tries either side of Evan O'Connell's score to give Ireland a 31-10 lead at the break.
Berman finished off his hat-trick with a score from close in early in the second half as the Italian floodgates were fully open.
Three of the best for Sam Berman! 🙌
Starting off with a hat-trick for @IrishRugby 🤩#WorldRugbyU20s | #IREvITA pic.twitter.com/CDKGF1xd60
— World Rugby (@WorldRugby) June 29, 2024
Further scores from Finn Treacy and Sean Naughton rounded off the dominant victory and leaves Ireland top of their pool after Australia beat Georgia 35-11 in their matchup.
Ireland U20 captain Evan O'Connell spoke after the match voicing the squad's delight with their performance.
Evan O'Connell gives his verdict to Liam Heagney 🎙️ in Cape Town on Ireland beating Italy 55-15 on match day one at the World Rugby U20 Championship. #IrishRugby #IREvITA #WorldRugbyU20s #rugby pic.twitter.com/R86dK8eJBx
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) June 29, 2024
Ireland now look towards next Thursday as they face Georgia in their second pool stage match before they face another big challenge against Australia on Tuesday 9th July.
