We hope the New Zealander took note.
For the second, stirring time in two matches, the Electric Ireland Under 20s came back from a losing half-time position to claim the spoils.
Having stunned England with a second half surge, at Kingston Park, a fortnight ago, Nigel Carolan’s men produced the goods again. 13-6 behind at the break, Ireland set up camp in Italy’s after thereafter and made it successive Six Nations wins.
Brett Connon’s penalties were all they had to show for a punishing first 40. Led by the ever-inspirational James Ryan, Ireland put an impressive squeeze on.
The winning of the match arrived after 52 minutes with a fantastic foray into the Italian 22. Will Connors made the initial burst and found Clontarf centre Conor O’Brien in support.
With Joe Schmidt looking on from the main stand, O’Brien unfurled a beautiful offload to midfield partner Shane Daly. The Munster man dotted down and Connon’s conversion turned a 12-13 deficit into a 19-13 lead.
Given that Schmidt’s Ireland have offloaded a [less than] grand total of six times in their championship, it was a timely reminder of its use as an attacking weapon.
Schmidt certainly seemed to appreciate it as he grinned and shared a joke with nearby punters.
Still, there was work to be done to close out the game. Passes failed to stick in attack as the hosts, and there fans, were left frustrated. The mistakes meant now pressure or momentum could build.
Italy emptied the bench and gave it one last college try. They looked set to score to the left of the posts but superb defence from Ryan and Peter Claffey was crucial. Following over a dozen phases, Italy blinked first and knocked on.
Connon had a chance to seal the tie with a late penalty but dragged his effort wide. It was his only flaw in an otherwise assured performance. The Newcastle Falcons youngster possesses a hefty boot.
With Italy well and truly wilted, Ireland wound down the clock with scrums and carries until the holler came from the sidelines – ‘It’s over. Kick it out!’
They did and it was.
Over to the senior side tomorrow at the Aviva Stadium.
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