The Ireland U20s - who are sponsored by PwC - recorded a famous 17-16 victory over France last night, courtesy of a last minute try from Ben Brownlee and a last play conversion from Charlie Tector.
It was the first time the Ireland U20s had won in France in 10 years, and there were jubilant scenes afterwards as Ireland trailed for the majority of the game, against a serious French team.
In fact, France went into the last 5 minutes of the game up 16-10.
With just a few minutes to play France thought they had scored after a pinpoint crossfield kick found the hands of Jefferson Joseph who dotted down under the posts.
However, the referee called play back and awarded the Ireland U20s a penalty after France’s no. 7 did not retreat. It appeared a harsh call as the French player was nowhere near Jospeh and was not interfering with play.
More penalties came the way of the Ireland U20s and they worked their way to the French five metre line. A yellow card for France’s Samuel M'Foudi followed for illegally taking down an Irish maul.
Ireland U20s continued to kick for the corner and assert their lineout and maul dominance until Ben Brownlee eventually bundled over for a try after multiple phases of crash balls on the French line.
Comeback = complete ✅#FutureIsGreen | @PwCIreland pic.twitter.com/3wVAiLXEr6
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) February 11, 2022
The words ‘smash and grab’ were used to describe the Ireland U20s win, however this is arguably unfair given their dominance at the lineout and the repeated French infringements which they were lucky not to have been penalised for earlier. On top of that the Irish defence were impressive only letting the French in for 16 points. Afterwards, captain Rueben Crothers was beaming with pride for his teammates.
"Honestly, I couldn't be prouder of the lads. To have the heart to stick it out to the final whistle like that!"@IrishRugby U20s captain Reuben Crothers on that huge win in France. 🟢#FRAvIRE | #SixNationsU20 | @UlsterRugby pic.twitter.com/vfzdiGFv3U
— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) February 11, 2022
Ireland’s head coach Richie Murphy summed up the game and the win perfectly with just one word, ‘wow’.
Wow ☘️🏉 @IrishRugby @PwC pic.twitter.com/QDm3Ri1Z8G
— Richie Murphy (@RichieMurphy100) February 12, 2022
The quality of the match from the first minute was incredible, and players such as fullback Patrick Campbell and prop Jack Boyle could make their full international debuts within a few seasons.
Like their senior counterparts, they are two strongest teams in the tournament and the win now puts the Ireland U20s in pole position to win the U20s Six Nations.
Elsewhere, England U20s lost 6-0 to Italy U20s in a game that will be remembered for a rather ugly HIA controversy towards the end of the match.
See Also: Ronan O'Gara Sums Up The Massive Contrasts In The Attacks Of Ireland & France
