Ireland were denied the U20 Six Nations championship in cruel fashion this evening. While Ireland did everything it needed with a 36-0 win over Scotland in Cork, an outrageous England comeback in Pau over France meant England won the silverware.
Both teams won f0ur and they drew each other. England won the U20s Six Nations because they had one more bonus point.
🏆 #U6N20 CHAMPIONS 2024 🏴
Congratulations @EnglandRugby 👏 pic.twitter.com/o2HmiQN5Xs— Six Nations Under-20s (@SixNationsU20) March 15, 2024
Richie Murphy's side entered the game knowing that their destiny was out of their hands, although a bonus point victory would put them in a strong position to win the tournament.
They played like that right from the off, showing some serious attacking intent. Scotland defended well in the early stages, however, keeping the hosts at bay.
Ireland would eventually make the breakthrough midway through the first half, with Hugo McLaughlin the man to get the opening try.
This was the try that gave Ireland the lead at Musgrave Park! They lead 7-0 at the interval 💪@PwCIreland #FutureIsGreenpic.twitter.com/alBnVAI1Ai
— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) March 15, 2024
The home side did not really push on from that point, with the score standing at 7-0 going into the interval.
Ireland did notch up the pressure somewhat early in the second half, although it took quite some time before they could threaten the Scottish line. Jack Murphy would extend the lead in the 50th minute with the first penalty of the game, opening up some daylight between the sides.
They would eventually get their second try just before the hour mark, with captain Evan O'Connell providing a strong finish to power over the opposition line.
Savage finish from captain Evan O'Connell to get Ireland's second try of the night 💪@PwCIreland #FutureIsGreen pic.twitter.com/Ems1DXJWnE
— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) March 15, 2024
Around this period, news started filtering in that France found themselves ahead against England. While Ireland continued to chase the bonus point, it became apparent that they might not need it.
With the Scots down to 14 men after a yellow card for Monroe Job, the home team would have an third try with ten minutes to go. Danny Sheahan scored it, finishing after a strong maul from an attacking line-out.
They would eventually secure the bonus point, with Sean Edogbo securing their fourth try of the night.
𝐁𝐎𝐍𝐔𝐒 𝐏𝐎𝐈𝐍𝐓 𝐒𝐄𝐂𝐔𝐑𝐄𝐃! 🟢
It's that man Sean Edogbo in Cork once again!
Ireland have done their job! It will depend on what happens in France now! 👀#IREvSCO | #SixNationsU20 pic.twitter.com/LyxoJ6t3Bb— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) March 15, 2024
Richie Murphy's men would finish the contest with a flourish, with Danny Sheahan getting his second of the night to extend the lead even further.
It wasn't pretty at times, but Ireland got the job done. In the end, it was an incredibly comfortable 36-0 victory.
It was all over to France at that point.
They took a lead into the interval against England, going in 21-12 ahead. With Ireland having gotten that all important bonus point and building on their point differential, the English would require either a victory and a try-scoring bonus point or a win by at least 19 points.
As things developed in France, it looked increasingly likely that the championship would be Ireland's.
However, England overturned a 21-12 halftime deficit and absolutely tore into France in second half, securing first the bonus point, and then the victory.
SEE ALSO: English Journalist Questions Six Nations Bonus Point System That Has Favoured Ireland
