Ireland came into today's game with Australia needing a win to have a shot at making the semi-finals of the World Rugby Championship.
A thrilling but error strewn 34-34 draw with England in their opening match had left them with plenty of work-ons, particularly in terms of their break-down and work and in overplaying the attack.
The game began ominously for Ireland, with Australia dominating the break-down and making early in roads into Ireland's 22., and only a superbly timed interception from Andrew Osborne saved Ireland.
Unfortunately the winger did not have the pace to finish the length of the field play, but it did lead to a penalty and a 3-0 lead for Ireland.
Ireland U20s vs Australia U20s
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
𝐓𝐑𝐘 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐀𝐔𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐋𝐈𝐀!
A wonderful move from the Wallabies finished by Henry O'Donnell.
🇦🇺 7-3 ☘️ #WorldRugbyU20s pic.twitter.com/R89V9782hA— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) June 29, 2023
READ HERE: The 2016 Ireland U20s Team That Made The WC Final - Where Are The Now?
Brian Gleeson was superb on his return to the starting XV, and, along with Paddy McCarthy and Ruadhan Quinn, was making yards in the carry whenever he could.
Ireland seemed unwilling at times to take advantage of this ball-carrying dominance, and again were guilty of overplaying in their attack, rather than keeping it tight.
Out-half Sam Prendergast was the chief culprit here with his decision making, coupled with some uncharacteristic loose play, and it lead to a an Aussie turnover deep in their own half, which they managed to convert into a magnificent score from Henry O'Donnell.
However, like any good 10, Prendergast never let the head drop and he was instrumental in Ireland's first try of the game, with a superb assist to James Nicholson, after a huge carry from McCarthy.
In the final play of the half he converted a penalty to give Ireland an 11-10 lead at the break.
Here's that try from Ireland, who show what they can do when they keep it tight.
A huge carry from Paddy McCarthy, and a lovely assist from Sam Prendergast to James Nicolson.#FutureIsGreen | #WorldRugbyU20spic.twitter.com/WUoR0kDTC9— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) June 29, 2023
The pitch was in poor condition to begin with, and it got considerably worse as the rain poured down.
However, this was a huge advantage for Ireland and their considerable size, while their scrum, spearheaded by McCarthy and debutant Ronan Foxe, began to turn the screw.
Australia eventually caved to the sustained Irish pressure as Gleeson went over from close range, before Gus McCarthy went over for a similar score soon after.
Ireland played the conditions brilliantly in the second-half, with Prendergast's kicking out of hand keeping Australia pinned back, and Ireland's scrum and defence piling the misery onto a tiring Aussie side.
The last fifteen minutes were scrappy from both teams, as Ireland squandered numerous opportunities to secure the four try bonus point, but they managed to get over in the dying seconds with a close range score from Diarmuid Mangan.
They face Fiji next Tuesday (kick-off, 12.30pm) in their final game of the pool stages, where a win will see them into the semi-finals.
Ireland U20s Turn The Screw In The Second-Half
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
The captain Gus McCarthy. with what should be the winning score for Ireland 🔥
Less than ten minutes to go and Ireland lead 23-10.#FutureIsGreen | #WorldRugbyU20s @PwCIrelandpic.twitter.com/Ej4MdwBVRt— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) June 29, 2023
SEE ALSO: Analysis: Plenty Of Learnings For Ireland U20s In Valiant And Frustrating Draw With England
