Ireland U20’s finished off this years Junior World Championship with a comfortable 18 – 7 win over France U20’s to give Ireland 5th place and their best ever finish in this competition.

In the light of this morning’s drubbing of the seniors it’s the U20’s that have proved to be the real men of Irish rugby over the last 18 days, beating South Africa, Italy, England and France in their five matches and if it hadn’t been for the appalling conditions in the Danie Craven Stadium, Stellenbosch for the first game against England it would have been five wins out of five or at least a top three finish in this highly entertaining competition.

That the Irish lads completely controlled the last two games, against England and France, winning both at a stroll, is testament to the coaching team with Mike Ruddock and Allen Clarke both worthy of special mention. Ruddock, to his credit, has encouraged all his teams to play rugby and Clarke, as with his time with Ulster has added a hard edge up front with the Irish pack seldom taking a backward step.

Delighted to report that Clarke will be returning to Ravenhill to take over the Academy, probably the best signing that David Humphreys has made to date. Hopefully it’s the first step in paving the way for the return of Mark McCall!

And so to the game.

Due to technical difficulties, i.e. the locals in the bar in Galway wanting to watch the Queen arrive at Ascot fer fecks sake, I only managed to see the first half but it was a fairly dull affair with Ireland leading 6 – 0 through two JJ Hanrahan penalties.

Both Chris Farrell and Iain Henderson made ground with the ball in hand but it was a first half that both defences dominated though Ireland did enjoy the bulk of possession and territory.

Ireland turned pressure into points at the start of the second half with Hanrahan adding another nine points from the boot to give Ireland a comfortable 15 – 0 lead after 60 minutes.

France eventually managed to force their way into the game with Gael Fickou going over after a period of sustained pressure close to the Irish line and with Enzo Selponi adding the extras the score moved to 15 – 7.

Ireland finished the game on top with Hanrahan adding his sixth penalty with two minutes to go giving Ireland a deserved 18 – 7 win and their highest ever placing in the Junior World Championships.

IRELAND: Peter Nelson, Barry Daly, Stuart Olding, Chris Farrell, Foster Horan, JJ Hanrahan, Kieran Marmion, Des Merry, Niall Scannell (C), Tadhg Furlong, Alan O’Connor, Tadhg Beirne, Iain Henderson, Jordon Coghlan, Jack Conan. Replacements: James Rael, Peter Reilly, Jake Cawley, Shane Buckley, Aaron Conneely, Luke McGrath, Jack Carty, Conor Finn.