There was an enthralling finish to Ireland U20s first game of their World Cup campaign in Perpignan.
The French took an early lead through Marty but Ireland fought back with a penalty from Harry Byrne and converted tries from Joe Dunleavy and Hugh O'Sullivan to lead 5-17 at half time. Both sides had tries ruled out in a pulsating first half, with France's score ruled out for a foot in touch and Tom Roche's breakaway try chalked off after a high tackle by James Aungier which resulted in a yellow card.
However, the French came back from the break with the bit between their teeth, with three quick unanswered tries leaving the scores at 26-17. The pick of the tries was Ntamach's kick and go finish to draw the scores level at 17 apiece:
Ntamack with the magic finish. @FFRugby are playing with so much flair at the #WorldRugbyU20s Championship pic.twitter.com/kWgU0wBRPV
— World Rugby (@WorldRugby) May 30, 2018
Ireland gave themselves hope on 72 minutes when Harry Byrne touched town after some quick passing with the resulting conversion leaving two points between the sides with eight minutes left:
72: TRY!@IrishRugby are back in the game!
Harry Byrne with the try and conversion!
France 26-24 Ireland.
Live on eir sport 2!#WorldRugbyU20s #FutureIsGreen pic.twitter.com/M1AfPVJVw8
— eir Sport (@eirSport) May 30, 2018
It looked like Ireland might snatch the win after a winning a line-out close to the French line but the resultant possession was squandered and France just got over the line 26-24.
Caelan Doris spoke after the game about his disappointment but also stated there was a lot of positives to take from Ireland's performance:
"We're disappointed but there was a lot of positives. Two massive games to come so the focus turns to that now."
- @IrishRugby captain Caelan Doris reacts to that #WorldRugbyU20s defeat to France. pic.twitter.com/YHm4VuKgbD
— eir Sport (@eirSport) May 30, 2018
Trevor Brennan's son Daniel captained the French side tonight and the adopted French man has found it hard to shake his Irish accent, as demonstrated in his post match interview:
? Reaction: Daniel Brennan of @FFRugby spoke after his team beat Ireland, 26-24 at the #WorldRugbyU20s pic.twitter.com/gM4vJe5AbR
— World Rugby (@WorldRugby) May 30, 2018
Ireland face South Africa and Georgia in the remaining games in their pool.
The second group game against South Africa is live on the same channel from 3.20pm on Sunday, June 3rd while the final clash with Georgia is live on eir Sport 2 from 5.20pm on Thursday, June 7th.
