Noel McNamara’s Ireland beat Wales 36-20 in a blustery Irish Independent Cork on Friday in the U20 Six Nations.Â
In truth it was the first half display of Ireland that won them this game. They completely out played the visitors running in four tries. Ireland were coming into the game on the back of a good win over Scotland on the opening weekend, while Wales suffered a shock defeat to Italy.
This game began with Ireland getting a try inside 70 seconds. An attempted clearance by Dafydd Buckland was blocked down by Mark Hernan who touched down. Jack Crowley kicked over the conversion. Dan Kelly got the second try of the game as he powered over to make it 12-0. Ireland’s third came courtesy of Lewis Finlay after a good counter attack. However, with the half hour approaching Wales got on the scoreboard with a try from Osian Knott. Ireland had the bonus point wrapped up before the break. The try coming from that man Mark Hernan once again. He touched down following a maul to leave it 31-7 at the break. Ireland in a commanding position and were not going to lose this game.
A block down from Mark Hernan gives Ireland the early advantage against Wales #U20SixNations #rterugby pic.twitter.com/XzglMIVk8Q
— RTÉ Rugby (@RTErugby) February 7, 2020
It was all Wales in the second half though as they sparked a revival. In fact they had a penalty within 9 minutes. Ireland also lost Joe McCarthy through a yellow card sin binning. The scores leaving it 31-17. Any hopes of a Welsh comeback were ended on 63 minutes with some good play from David McCann, who found Andy Smith who crossed over the line for Ireland’s fifth try on the night.
Andrew Smith makes it 36-17 with this try for Ireland at a blustery Irish Independent Park. #IRLvWAL #U20SixNations #rterugby pic.twitter.com/FpUiueG63n
— RTÉ Rugby (@RTErugby) February 7, 2020
Wales had the final try of the game but it was merely a consolation. Knott running in for his second five pointer. However, it was too little to late as Ireland secured a bonus point win.
