The Ireland U20s met a superior South Africa today in their Pool C, Parc des Sports et de l'Amitié clash that ultimately saw them on the receiving end of a 30-17 loss. However, there was one positive in the performance of Leinster youngster and team captain Caelen Doris.
This was a big tournament for the Irish captain. The Ballina native and former Blackrock schoolboy missed the entire U20 Six Nations due to a hamstring injury but recovered to make his senior debut against Connacht earlier this year. Doris is one of four players who were recently given senior contracts from the Leinster academy and today did his all to keep his side in the game, having also impressed against France earlier this week.
Where would this Ireland team be without Caelan Doris.
— BallHandling Hooker (@BHHooker) May 30, 2018
The Caelan Doris fella is something else!#FRAvIRE
— Aiden (@AidenStalker) May 30, 2018
Breakout stars mentioned are Caelan Doris, Caleb Clarke, Marcus Smith and Daniel Brennan (who is good but not who I’d have gone for of the French contingent) #Midol
— Paul Eddison (@pauleddison) May 28, 2018
With Ireland trailing 12-0, Doris picked from the back of a scrum and burst his way over the line.
35: TRY!
South Africa 12-10 @IrishRugby.Ireland captain Caelan Doris gets his team back in the game! Conor Dean adds the kick.
Live on eir sport 2! #WorldRugbyU20s pic.twitter.com/XlHUwXbvGV
— eir Sport (@eirSport) June 3, 2018
He followed it up shortly afterward with a burst up the centre and deft pass to Michael Silvester to give Ireland the lead in the second half.
44: TRY!
South Africa 12-17 @IrishRugby.Michael Silvester finishes a lovely move from Ireland from the lineout. Conor Dean adds the kick again.
Live on eir sport 2! #WorldRugbyU20s pic.twitter.com/PKUbnquFwQ
— eir Sport (@eirSport) June 3, 2018
It was a disappointing result for Noel McNamara's side, but Doris certainly provided at least one silver lining.
