rugby

Brian Gleeson backs up the hype with Bok-busting semi-final performance

Published 17:25 9 Jul 2023 BST

Updated 17:39 9 Jul 2023 BST

Brian Gleeson backs up the hype with Bok-busting semi-final performance

Home rugby

The Munster back row only turned 19 back in February.

Ireland are off to the U20 World Championship finals and Brian Gleeson logged another immense performance to help get them there. The Munster No.8 was a colossus for Richie Murphy's men as they defeated the hosts, South Africa, in Athlone to reach the final. Winger James Nicholson scored two tries, sub Sam Berman crossed over for a great try and Sam Prendergast contributed 11 points off the tee. Top dog, yet again, though was Gleeson. Still eligible to play for the U20s next year, Gleeson and Berman have both proved more than worthy at this level. After 25 minutes of the match, Gleeson already had logged 10 tackles, without missing one. Ireland had to dig deep against a fired up Baby Boks side and the likes of Gleeson, Ruadhan Quinn and Paddy McCarthy were key in keeping the South Africans scoreless. In a classic sucker punch, Ireland absorbed heaps of pressure then fired back at the end of the first half. They were denied an opener by a tight TMO call before Prendergast found Nicholson for the opener. Imad Khan got South Africa level with a great solo score, early in the first half, but Gleeson chose his moment to punch back. Peeling off the back of the Irish lineout, in a well worked move, he creamed through two tackle attempts and crashed over for a score that put Ireland back in front. https://twitter.com/SportsJOEdotie/status/1678068651390377984

Brian Gleeson impressive again as Ireland advance

That score from Brian Gleeson sapped the host's confidence and Ireland kicked on with those Nicholson and Berman tries to seal semi-final victory. Over on Virgin Media, at half-time in their match coverage, former Ireland centre Grace Davitt highlighted Gleeson and Quinn as the key men for Murphy's men, if they were to push on. So it proved as the Munster lads took the scrap to the South Africans and left plenty of would-be tacklers on their rumps. Paddy McCarthy was another that impressed, and stepped up with big tackles and carries. Munster supporters were be thrilled, though, as they look to have two certified back row gems in Quinn and Gleeson. They combined for 15 carries [77 metres gained], 38 tackles and five turnovers. https://twitter.com/jim_demps/status/1678077094528524289 Next up for Ireland in the final, after their 31-12 victory, will be either England or France.