Ireland's Under-20 rugby squad - the merry band of brothers who should be universally known as the Wolfpuppies - spent their Tuesday afternoon defying convention, by staging a Leinster-against-Northampton-esque comeback against Wales during the Under 20s World Championship.
At one stage, Ireland trailed 17-0 against the Welsh, but ultimately recovered to win 26-25, with victory assured by this wonderful Jacob Stockdale try.
Great win for the @IrishRugby u20's, well done to @JacobStockdale would have liked to see a better celebration for your tries though😂
— stuart mccloskey (@Stuart_Mc12) June 7, 2016
It will be an embarrassment of riches next year for Ulster with their back three options. Jacob Stockdale is class #WorldRugbyU20s
— Gavin Spillane (@GavSpillane) June 7, 2016
Jacob Stockdale reminds me of a certain Felix Jones in full flight. Can't pay a higher compliment than that! #WalVIre #WorldRugbyU20s
— Stephen Treacy (@StephenTreacy1) June 7, 2016
Jacob Stockdale: versatile back (centre, wing, full-back) who is comfortable across the line & in the air. Schmidt's dream. #WorldRugbyU20s
— Alex Shaw (@alexshawsport) June 7, 2016
It wasn't just Stockdale who garnered praise, however. The offload that kicked the whole move off came from man of the match, Max Deegan:
Magic offload from Max Deegan.
— Gavin Cummiskey (@Cumoski) June 7, 2016
Max Deegan awarded man of the match by Shane Horgan. What a game. #u20worldcup #irlvwal
— Oisin Langan (@oisinlangan) June 7, 2016
Great character by the @IrishRugby under 20s, good start to the competition! Some exciting players coming through
— Sean O'Brien (@SeanOBrien1987) June 7, 2016
Fair play to the @irishrugby U20's, tense last few minutes there. Great start to the tournament. https://t.co/hcvBnNaVQG
— Devin Toner (@DevinToner4) June 7, 2016
Massive win for Ireland. 26-25 after being 17-0. Great character to come back. Sets up the pool nicely with New Zealand to come on Saturday.
— Cian Tracey (@CianTracey1) June 7, 2016
Great watching the @IrishRugby U20's coming back from a tough start! pic.twitter.com/p7HgG1th2M
— jamie heaslip (@jamieheaslip) June 7, 2016
Fantastic 26-25 win for Ireland U-20s v Wales U-20s in #WorldRugbyU20s Ireland came back from 0-17 down. Its New Zealand next on Saturday!
— Colm Kinsella (@ckSportLeader) June 7, 2016
Some performance by the u20s.
— Jacqui Hurley (@jacquihurley) June 7, 2016
Ireland's next game is against New Zealand, on Saturday. Only the pool winners are guaranteed progression, so the clash with the Baby Blacks will be of critical importance to Nigel Carolan's side.
See Also: Ireland U20 Player Ratings: Huge Comeback From The Wolfpuppies
See Also: Watch: The Irish Under-20s Go All Connacht With Glorious, Match-Winning Try Against Wales
