Ireland U20s showed remarkable strength and character to take down Fiji 47-27 in their final pool stage game at the World Rugby U20 Championship.
It has been an incredibly difficult few days for the squad after the loss of friends in the Ios tragedy which saw the passing of two former St. Michael's students, and the sudden death of Greig Oliver, whose son Jack is part of the squad.
Ireland U20s Show Brilliant Courage To Take The Field Against Fiji
Ireland started very strongly, with Brian Gleeson showing why he is so highly rated after an early try, before grabbing his second of the first-half to give Ireland their bonus point.
Naturally, Ireland did look disjointed, in both defence and attack, with so many changes, but managed to go in at the break with a 26-12 lead.
Brian Gleeson picks up where he left off against Australia with an early try.
Ireland have since got a 2nd try through Danny Sheahan, but Fiji have hit back themselves.
Ireland lead 12-7.@PwCIreland #futureisgreenpic.twitter.com/IAAzk20UiJ
— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) July 4, 2023
Ireland lead Fiji 26-12 at the break with the bonus point secured.
As it stands - with England only leading Australia 7-3 - Ireland will go into the semi-finals as second seeds and avoid France.@PwCIreland #futureisgreenpic.twitter.com/90398sVCI1
— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) July 4, 2023
READ HERE: Wonderful Gesture From Fiji Ahead Of Hugely Emotional Ireland U20s Game
Fiji began the second-half brilliantly and stunned Ireland with two break away scores to get within four points, as a stunned Ireland faced the very real possibility of a shock elimination at the hands of a team who were huge underdogs.
Head coach Richie Murphy reacted immediately by emptying the bench, with the likes of Sam Prendergast and regular captain Gus McCarthy taking the field.
The changes worked and Ireland dominated the closing quarter, scoring three tries, with two from McCarthy, and a peach of try off first-phase ball from Andrew Osborne after a lovely assist from Prendergast.
Ireland did concede a try in the final play, but it won't have much bearing on the semi-final seedings given that Ireland had not been able to make up the points difference on England.
A whirlwind of a start to the second half, with Fiji scoring twice.
Ireland emptied the bench and thankfully got a score back through Gus McCarthy.
There's few sights in rugby better than the Fijians in full flow however.@PwCIreland #futureisgreenpic.twitter.com/DBsdNQyz0d
— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) July 4, 2023
There's something very satisfying about a successful first-phase move 🙌
Ireland lead Fiji 47-22.@PwCIreland #futureisgreenpic.twitter.com/IiZaYsdG8m
— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) July 4, 2023
With England only managing a draw against Australia, Ireland secure the second seed, and will avoid France in the semi-finals barring a bizarre run of results in other games.
Ireland's semi-final opponents will more than likely be the winner of Pool C, which will be one of Argentina, South Africa, or Georgia.
England face an anxious wait to see if they will qualify as best runner up, but New Zealand now have an opportunity to scupper their hopes with a big win over Japan.
SEE ALSO: Ireland U20s 'Devastated' After The Tragic Passing Of St Michael's Students In Greece
