From 17-0 down in their opening match, Ireland U20s have barely missed a step. In Manchester, this evening, they tore Argentina apart to reach their first ever World Rugby U20 Championship final.
Ireland ran in three first half tries and finished the young Pumas off through the excellent Johnny McPhillips.
Nigel Carolan’s side played the perfect match and got the early try they needed, through Jacob Stockdale, to settle the nerves. Man of the match Max Deegan then ripped a turnover and laced home from 80 metres out and Stockdale’s fine second put them 21-0 clear.
Argentina got a try back just before the break but Ireland had far too much for them and a Shane Daly converted try made it 37-7. They now await the winners of South Africa and England in the final. Here’s how we rated the Irish lads:
Jacob Stockdale – 9
Has already made his senior appearance for Ulster and many, many more should follow. Simply too much for Argentina. Constantly made ground when he had the ball. Dived over for Ireland’s opening score and his step, at high speed, for his second was glorious.
Matthew Byrne – 7
An awful lot of Ireland’s feints went up the left wing but Byrne made a couple of nice contributions with ball in hand. Strong defence, too, when Argentina had their tails up either side of the break.
Shane Daly – 8
Has enjoyed a fine championship and kept that up today. Nice awareness to keep one attack alive and set up Stockdale’s first. Slick hands and a hefty tackler when required. Handy intercept try at the death to seal an emphatic win.
Conor O’Brien – 7
The quietest of the Irish backline but no major errors and he certainly hit his fair share of tackles and rucks. Seamless partnership with Daly.
Hugo Keenan – 8
Exceptional prospect. Lovely footwork and offload for Stockdale’s second. Argentina could not get a read on him and, when they did, struggled to box him in.
Johnny McPhillips – 9
His skillset is something else. Not afraid to go with flick passes or offloads. Only missed one kick and landed two conversions from the touchline. Great crossfield kick for Stockdale’s first try. Chipped in with a 50-metre penalty for good measure.
Stephen Kerins – 8
The sole Connacht starter but a lad that will press for senior selection at his province if he keeps up this form. Skip passes and well timed pops to put his men through gaps.
Andrew Porter – 9
This young lad is surely set for World Rugby Team of the Tournament. A powerhouse in the scrum – toying with the Argentinean front row. Superb at the breakdown too.
Adam McBurney – 7
Argentina had his dance-card marked. Shut down from making those bolting carries but he kept looking for the ball after taking some big hits. Lineout throwing was flawless.
Ben Betts – 8
The Munster tighthead was not first choice coming into this tournament but he has excelled. Ground down his opposite number and won his team penalties in both twenty-twos.
Sean O’Connor – 7
Backed up his front row well, claimed a couple of catches, carried faultlessly and delivered some big hits. Tidy.
James Ryan – 8
Called a lot of early lineout ball on him and it paid off. Hard carries all game and lusty tackles. An inspiration.
Greg Jones – 8
A real star in the making. Smart running lines saw him constantly make five yards and get his team on the front foot. Always looking to attack.
David Aspil – 7
The Leinster openside made what we often like to refer to as the hard yards. First receiver for a lot of ball and slashed into the Pumitas.
Max Deegan – 9
Sensational grip, rip and 80-metre dash to score one of the tournament’s best tries. A danger on so many significant carries. Tremendous footwork. One for the not too distant future.
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