Ireland lost to Italy in their opening game at the U20 World Championship on Wednesday afternoon.
It took Ireland 27 minutes to get on to the scoreboard thanks to a Conor Dean penalty. By that stage, they were 12-3 down. The scoreboard at half-time would read even worse for Ireland, 15-3.
The game was level within eight minutes of the second half restart, thanks to a brace of tries from Calvin Nash. Another pair of penalties from Dean and Ciaran Frawley had Ireland leading by six as the clock hit 76 minutes. But there was to be some late drama.
First, Massimo Cioffi crossed over for Italy to bring them within one point. Facing a tricky conversion, Cioffi whacked a banana kick into the Georgian wind. Just as it looked to be heading wide, the ball curled inside the right-hand post.
77: TRY!@IrishRugby 21 - 22 Italy!
Italy have hit back! They lead by 1 with just minutes remaining! #WorldRugbyU20s pic.twitter.com/2t8SBOIBEZ— eirSport (@eirSport) May 31, 2017
There was still time for further drama though, as the Italians lost their discipline in trying to close out the game.
They went in off their feet, leaving Frawley the chance to win it. From the ten-metre line, it was always going to be difficult, and Crawley just pulled his kick left and wide.
81: MISS KICK!
Heartbreak for @IrishRugby and Ciaran Frawley as a last second kick goes wide to give Italy a 22-21 win! #WorldRugbyU20s pic.twitter.com/F7s1Yt5SfM— eirSport (@eirSport) May 31, 2017
The Azzurri's previous best finish at the championships is 11th. So you can't begrudge them the celebratory scenes.
Ireland now take on Scotland on June 4th, with both side desperately needing the win after the Scots were hammered by New Zealand earlier today.
