Ireland U20s secured an opening win in their 2023 Six Nations campaign, defeating Wales by 44-27 in Colwyn Bay.
In what was a superb game, packed with off-load laden tries, Ireland showed impressive resolve to overcome a Welsh side who had dominated much of the first-half.
Tipp man Brian Gleeson was chosen as man-of-the-match, as Ireland's enormous pack caused havoc throughout the 80, but there were many impressive performances around the park from the likes of James McNabney, Sam Prendergast, and Gus McCarthy.
Ireland 44 - 27 Wales
Ireland U20s spent the opening six minutes defending for their lives, and trying to make up for kick-off securing errors and poor tackling.
Thankfully their goal-line defence was excellent and the Welsh came away with nothing.
In Ireland's first foray into Welsh territory they showed just how lethal they can be, and came away with a try after when second row Conor O'Tighearnaigh barrelled over from close range.
However, it turned out that the initial Welsh pressure was indeed a sign of things to come and they scored soon after kicking-off back to the Irish, with Louie Hennessy going over in the corner.
They then took the lead after Dan Edwards knocked over a penalty, and Llien Morgan finished off arguably the move of the day after some slick out-the-back-door handling.
Despite being on the wrong the side of possession stats, Ireland's pack showed off their set-piece strength and impressive carrying in the tight as they went into half-time 15-14 down, following a close range try from Paddy McCarthy.
Sam Prendergast added the extras for his second conversion of the night.
Ireland U20s Secure Huge Opening Night Six Nations Win In Wales
Here's that opening Irish try.
Wales have since scored two tries and a penalty and lead 15-7.@PwCIreland #PwCIreland #FutureIsGreenpic.twitter.com/rAPGAon0R5— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) February 3, 2023
The try that gave Ireland the lead once more 💪
They have since added two sensational tries to make it 34-20 🍀@PwCIreland #PwCIreland #FutureIsGreenpic.twitter.com/pxZasvot05— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) February 3, 2023
THE HANDLING!!
Ireland 37- 20 Wales 🙌@PwCIreland #PwCIreland #FutureIsGreenpic.twitter.com/WVSu1mFGkg— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) February 3, 2023
𝐈𝐑𝐄𝐋𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐀𝐑𝐄 𝐎𝐍 𝐈𝐓 𝐍𝐎𝐖! 🔥
Scintillating rugby! Nicholson with his second try! Prendergast brilliant again!
🏴 20-34 ☘️#WALvITA | #U20SixNations pic.twitter.com/kUi0Ge0ttL— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) February 3, 2023
READ HERE: The U20s Giant Who Traded A Hurley And Tipp Colours For An Oval Ball And A Green Jersey
Ireland were in trouble once more in the second half.
After they came extremely close to taking the lead early in the second 40, Wales took advantage of their squandering with a try of their own through Sam Scarfe.
From then on, however, Ireland dominated as their size began to make hay, the passes began to stick, and the Welsh legs grew tired.
Ruadhán Quinn finished off a superb move that started in Ireland's own half, after incredible hands from Sam Prendergast, Brian Gleeson, and James Nicholson.
Prendergast then added another highlight to his already extensive reel with superb assist to Nicholson to put the game to bed.
A Welsh bonus try, a couple of Prendergast penalties, and a last minute Irish try from Henry McErlean made it 44-27 at full-time.
SEE ALSO: 5 Irish Players Ready To Make A Huge Impact On This Year's U20 Six Nations
