What a performance! Entering yesterday's U20's Six Nations opener, not may people gave Ireland a chance of overturning World Cup finalists England. Those predictions seemed correct at first, with Ireland falling into a 11-point deficit in the opening half. While that gap would be reduced to four by half time, most were still expecting a physical England side to see the game out in the second half.
Ireland would go on to put together a performance for the ages in second period, keeping an incredibly talented England largely at bay. While there was of course a couple of nervy moments, Noel McNamara's side defended relentlessly. When Cormac Foley crossed the line and touched down with a couple of minutes to go, there was a release of immense joy from the Irish Independent Park crowd.
While every player deserves massive credit for the result, we have picked out some of the standout performers on a big night for Irish rugby.
Harry Byrne
Despite missing a difficult penalty at a key moment in the second half, Byrne had an outstanding game. His kicking was otherwise excellent, while he controlled the game wonderfully. He seems an excellent reader of the game, and was the conductor of the Irish team.
He would ultimately finish the game with a personal tally of 15 points, and the younger brother of Ross can be added to what is looking like a strong group of up and coming Irish '10s'.
Harry Byrne-future star #U20SixNations
— Rob Horgan (@Hoggy9898) February 1, 2019
Dylan Tierney-Martin
While Ireland did struggle in the scrum at times in the second half, you can't ignore Tierney-Martin's two try contribution. While the hooker had one or two errant line-out throws, he was otherwise excellent in that area. Ireland launched a number of mauls from the set-piece, one of which Tierney-Martin finished off himself by bundling the ball over the line.
That try at the start of the second half proved a key turning point in the match, as it gave Ireland the belief that they could ultimately secure the win.
Congratulations to Player of the Match @IrishRugby's Dylan Tierney-Martin.
Fantastic individual performance in a brilliant team display. #futureisgreen #ireveng #U20sSixNations pic.twitter.com/S7JQ11E6tz— PwC Ireland (@PwCIreland) February 1, 2019
Craig Casey
The Ireland scrum half performed incredibly well, forming an excellent partnership with Byrne. His passing was crisp all night, and he got around the pitch extremely well. Extremely vocal throughout, and looks like a real prospect.
He was involved a heavy collision with a much larger England player in the second half, and Noel McNamara will be hoping to have him at full health for the trip to Scotland next week.
What a performance from Ireland U20’s. Incredible effort across the board. The future of the Munster number 9 jersey is in safe hands with Craig Casey in the ranks. @mossylawler bitterness in the blood!!!!
— Barry Murphy (@BarryMurphyHG) February 1, 2019
Scott Penny
A fixture for Leinster in the Pro 14 this season, Scott Penny continued his strong form with an excellent showing last night. Coming up against a strong English back row, Penny was required to put in massive performance, which was capped off by a try to give Ireland the lead in the second half.
His defensive play was exemplary, and he was perhaps the main catalyst in keeping a dangerous English attack at bay.
Scott Penny is some serious player #IREvENG #u20s
— Niall O'Callaghan (@nialloc) February 1, 2019
