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Watch: Ireland U20s Almost Cause Big Upset Against France

Watch: Ireland U20s Almost Cause Big Upset Against France
Eoin Lyons
By Eoin Lyons
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There was an enthralling finish to Ireland U20s first game of their World Cup campaign in Perpignan.

The French took an early lead through Marty but Ireland fought back with a penalty from Harry Byrne and converted tries from Joe Dunleavy and Hugh O'Sullivan to lead 5-17  at half time. Both sides had tries ruled out in a pulsating first half, with France's score ruled out for a foot in touch and Tom Roche's breakaway try chalked off after a high tackle by James Aungier which resulted in a yellow card.

However, the French came back from the break with the bit between their teeth, with three quick unanswered tries leaving the scores at 26-17. The pick of the tries was Ntamach's kick and go finish to draw the scores level at 17 apiece:

Ireland gave themselves hope on 72 minutes when Harry Byrne touched town after some quick passing with the resulting conversion leaving two points between the sides with eight minutes left:

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It looked like Ireland might snatch the win after a winning a line-out close to the French line but the resultant possession was squandered and France just got over the line 26-24.

Caelan Doris spoke after the game about his disappointment but also stated there was a lot of positives to take from Ireland's performance:

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Trevor Brennan's son Daniel captained the French side tonight and the adopted French man  has found it hard to shake his Irish accent, as demonstrated in his post match interview:

Ireland face South Africa and Georgia in the remaining games in their pool.

The second group game against South Africa is live on the same channel from 3.20pm on Sunday, June 3rd while the final clash with Georgia is live on eir Sport 2 from 5.20pm on Thursday, June 7th.

See Also: South African Stalwart Includes Two Former Irish Players In Dream Team

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