Under-20 Six Nations: Ireland vs Italy
Ireland(15) 30
try: Barrett, Ryan, Moloney, Neil shortcoming: wood 2 Pen: wood 2
Italy(17) 27
try: Rossi, Pelli, De Rossi shortcoming: braga 2 Pen: Braga
Ireland withstood late pressure from Italy to win a thrilling Under-20 Six Nations match in Cork.
The hosts were beaten by France in their opening match but got off to a great start, with Tom Wood taking an early penalty and Christopher Barrett’s cross in the 12th minute being converted by Wood.
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However, Italy fought back through Luca Rossi’s shot but Daniel Ryan scored with nine minutes left in the first half.
Valerio Pelli responded for Italy five minutes later and Francesco Braga converted a penalty in the final minute of the half to give the visitors a 17-15 lead at the break.
Five minutes after the restart Ireland regained the lead through Derry Moloney, but Pelley touched down for a second time after Ireland flanker Joe Finn was sent to the bin.
Despite being reduced to 14 men, Josh Neal stepped up and Wood added a goal before the son of former Ireland captain Keith then converted a second penalty to extend Ireland’s advantage.
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Jacopo de Rossi set up a goal in the stands and Italy’s last-gasp attack snatched the chance, but Ireland’s defense held on to secure their first win at this year’s World Cup.
Ireland U20: N Byrne; D Moloney; J. O’Sullivan, J. O’Leary; D Ryan; T. Wood, C. Barrett; M. Doyle, L. Fitzpatrick, S. Bishti; D. McNeice, D. McGuire; J. Neal, B. Hayes, D. O’Connell.
Alternatives: R Handley, C Foley, B McClean, B Blaney, B Hayes, J O’Dwyer, C O’Shea, J O’Sullivan.
Italy U20:E Vitale, M Faisal; D Colucci, R Casalin; L Rossi; F Braga, A Teodosio; C Brasini, V Pelli, L Trevisan; S Fardin, E Opoku-Gyamfi; A Italo Miranda, CA Bianchi, D Sette.
Alternatives: J De Rossi, G Messori, L Tosi, JN Wilson, M Spreafichi, N Varotto, T Del Sureto, A Scaramazza.
