The current Ireland U20s crop is already being touted as the best we have ever produced, following their impressive Grand Slam win, which included periods of physical dominance we rarely, if ever, see from Irish sides.
After a mildly disappointing draw with England in their opening game of the World Rugby U20 Championship, Ireland lived up to their hype with a big 30-10 victory over Australia yesterday.
Spearheading this group of U20s are the trio of Brian Gleeson, Ruadhan Quinn, and Sam Prendergast, while the likes of Fintan Gunne, Hugh Cooney, and Paddy McCarthy have been excellent also.
What stands out from this squad is not only the quality but the amount of it. Yesterday's game saw a debut for Ronan Foxe at tight head prop, in a scrum that dominated Australia, with the lesser used Charlie Irvine excellent in his start at second-row.
While coaches and players generally tend to play down the hype of their squad and teammates, head coach Richie Murphy fully acknowledged the 'embarrassment of riches' he has under his command:
Brian Gleeson was excellent. We’re lucky to have so many good back rowers over here at the moment. It’s just an embarrassment of riches at this particular age group in Irish Rugby.
Ireland U20s Bare Their Teeth In 2nd Half Vs Australia
Half-time in South Africa, and a last play penalty from Prendergast sees Ireland U20s take an 11-10 over Australia at the break 🍀#FutureIsGreen | #WorldRugbyU20spic.twitter.com/ro7jPFx0tQ
— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) June 29, 2023
Massive, massive score from Ireland U20s as the conditions worsen in South Africa.
It's that man Brian Gleeson who has been huge today on his return to the starting XV.
Ireland 18 - 10 Australia#FutureIsGreen | #WorldRugbyU20s @PwCIrelandpic.twitter.com/KsG3XbDO5H— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) June 29, 2023
READ HERE: Ireland U20s Head Coach Calls Out Officials For Missing Multiple High Shots
The Australia game was notable for the awful conditions in South Africa, which worsened considerably in the second-half.
It also showed a different side to the usually expansive and attack minded games of half-pairing Fintan Gunne and Sam Prendergast, who controlled the conditions beautifully to see Ireland to victory.
"We showed some good maturity in our game. Fintan and Sam controlled the game quite well, found little bits of spaces and obviously created some good high-ball opportunities which were well contested," added Murphy.
"We didn’t give Australia much room to play. Rugby is a game where you have to be able to play in many different ways. Today we showed that we can roll up our sleeves when we need to, and manage the game properly."
Ireland face Fiji in their final group game next Tuesday, but Murphy may be without three of his men.
Centre Hugh Cooney is already serving a ban for his red card against England, while Rory Telfer will also
It was announced today that flanker James McNabney was cited for the high tackle below, which will likely see him miss out as well.
Ireland 6 is a very *VERY* lucky boy. pic.twitter.com/LZJ5gm6bSR
— A-P (@rugby_ap) June 29, 2023
SEE ALSO: The Ireland U20s Giant Who Traded A Hurley And Tipp Colours For An Oval Ball And A Green Jersey
