Disappointment Continues For U20s

The Ireland U20s suffered a third straight defeat in the Junior World Cup today as the host nation Argentina claimed their first victory in pool B, winning 24-21.

With Irish U20s Captain Rhys Ruddock called to join the senior squad in New Zealand, Ulster hooker Niall Annett was named to the lead the side this afternoon.

Ireland opened the stronger side, scoring thirteen unanswered points in the first 24 minutes, thanks to a Ben Marshall try, and two penalties and a conversion from the boot of McKinney.

But a determined Argentinean side responded well and dominated the closing minutes of the opening half. They opened their scoring with a try from number 6 Gonzalo Vila on the 34th minute, with scrumhalf Santiago Mendez adding the conversion, a penalty and a dropgoal on the 40th minute bringing both sides level at half-time, 13-13.

The host nation continued their dominance after the break with number 7 De La Vega scoring a try to give Argentina the lead for the first time and Mendez followed with two more second half penalties.

Once again Ireland managed a late resurgence with a try from replacement David Doyle on the 35th minute but any hopes of victory were dashed as Argentina’s defence held strong until the final whistle, defeating Ireland 24-21.

Ireland now find themselves without a win and at the bottom of pool B with two losing bonus points. The next round play-offs (9th-12th) take place on Thursday June 17th when Ireland face Samo at 1pm (5pm Irish time).  The other play-off sees Scotland take on Tonga.

Scorers: Argentina: Tries: Gonzalo Vila, Tomas De La Vega; Con: Santiago Mendez; Pens: Santiago Mendez 3; Drop: Ignacio Rodriguez Muedra
Ireland: Tries: Ben Marshall, David Doyle; Con: James McKinney; Pens: James McKinney 3

Yellow Card: Paddy Butler 36”

Ireland U20s: Andrew Conway, Darren Hudson (Noel Reid 36), Eoin Griffin, Nevin Spence (Brian Hayes 77), Simon Zebo (Brendan Macken 60), James McKinney, John Cooney (Michael Cooney 70), Jack O’Connell (David Doyle 57) , Niall Annett, Stewart Maguire (Denis Buckley 22), David O’Callaghan, Ben Marshall, Jordi Murphy, Dominic Ryan (Brian O'Hara 70), Patrick Butler. Replacements: David Doyle, Denis Buckley, Brian Hayes, Brian O’Hara, Michael Heaney, Noel Reid, Brendan Macken.