Ireland have finished 8th place in this years U20 World Championship after a 40-17 defeat to New Zealand in Rosario this evening.
New Zealand started the stronger in this one and raced ahead to a 26-0 lead after 29 minutes of play. Noel McNamara’s side composed themselves just before the break with a try from Josh Wycherley, Flanery missed the conversion.
26-5 the halftime score.
Ireland brought that momentum from Wycherley’s try into the second half by scoring 12 points inside 7 minutes. The first try came from Ireland Hooker Dylan Tierney-Martin while the second was possibly one of the tries of the tournament from Ryan Baird.
Ireland out-half Jake Flannery converted the first kick but missed the second. Ireland had New Zealand on the ropes, clawing their way back to 26-17 behind.
But as fulltime approached the baby blacks showed their class that quite possibly was amiss for them earlier in the tournament, and two unanswered converted tries killed the game and sealed the victory for them.
40-17 the final score.
Watch Ireland Captain Charlie Ryan’s post-match interview below
This conclusion of this years Tournament wraps up the season for the majority of this groups of players at U20’s level. Noel McNamara and his coaching staff can pat themselves on the back having guided this team to a Grand Slam back in February. All while playing a very attacking and expansive kind of Rugby that was an absolute joy to watch.
For the players, some will be offered professional contracts, while some will have reached their peak at this World Cup having achieved what only a few have done in Irish Sport at any level – Represent their Country at a World Cup.
All in all, the class of 2019 was a very exciting and talented one, and without doubt, there will be future Senior International stars coming from it.
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