Ireland Under-20 succumbed to the might of the All Blacks 31 – 26 in their final group stage of the IRB World Championship in front of an electric crowd in Vannes.

Megan Joyce in France

A bruising battle witnessed scores from Thomas Farrell, Dan Leavy and Edward Byrne with Rory Scannell contributing with the boot to put Mike Ruddock‘s young troops within five points of an historic win.

A ferocious contest at the break down dominated the opening minutes with both sides looking to settle early nerves. It was the Irish who struck first through a penalty conversion from Scannell following an infringement at the ruck.

Ballynahinch’s John Donnan was subsequently penalised for disrupting a player attempting to gather from the re-start as New Zealand’s out-half Simon Hickie sent his penalty attempt shy of the posts.

A succession of penalties followed with Hickey capitalising on Irish errors and sending his team three points clear. Scannell then stepped up to level the scores at 6 apiece through an impressive strike.

However, it wasn’t long before the attacking threat of the All Blacks penetrated Ireland’s defensive line. Second-row Patrick Tuipulotu crossing the white wash after forward and back inter-changes stretched the Irish from right to left.

Ireland reacted to New Zealand’s first try-scoring blow through centre Farrell, who, after diving on loose ball turned on the after burners to charge over for the try and raise the Irish fans from their seats.

An equal score-line remained until Irish indiscipline resulted in Hickie pushing the Kiwis ahead by three. The Irish were then rocked by try-scoring Farrell seeing yellow after persistent off-side offences before a half-time round up of 14 – 11.

The start of the second half saw New Zealand capitalise on their number advantage running in three tries in the space of fifteen minutes. Impressive centre Michael Collins found Epalahame Faiva for the first in the left corner with Hickie narrowly missing the conversion.

The second came through wing Lolagi Visina who used his power and pace to fly over after receiving quality ball from a well structured set-piece line-out. Faiva soon sent the All Black crowd into celebration with his second try which came through forward momentum from the line-out.

Irish captain Luke McGrath then rallied his troops to great effect as Ireland began to build a come-back. Movement between forwards and backs eventually resulted in Leavy going over for the score after Rory Scholes released the Leinster man in the left corner.

Replacement front-row Ed Byrne soon set Irish hearts racing with Ireland’s third try, crashing over the line after solid construction of phases with Scannell adding the extras. Minutes later, Scannell boosted the Irish score by a further three through a successful penalty.

The closing stages saw Irish penalties reversed as a result of careless play. Darragh Leader sent a boot deep into the stands following a penalty to give the Ireland one last attempt at historic glory.

However, once again, ill-discipline halted progression in New Zealand’s 22 with the All Black’s lofting the ball into the crowd to shatter Irish dreams of a quarter-final place.

Ireland now face France in their attempt to match last season’s fifth place finish.

IRELAND U20: Darragh Leader, Adam Byrne, Thomas Farrell, Rory Scannell, Rory Scholes, Steve Crosbie, Luke McGrath (C), Peter Dooley, George McGuigan, Chris Taylor, Gavin Thornbury, John Donnan, Dan Leavy, Josh van der Flier, Conor Joyce. Replacements: Edward Byrne, Brian Byrne, Adam Boland, Peadar Timmins, Ryan Murphy, David Shanahan, Mark Roche, Darren Sweetnam.

NEW ZEALAND: Joseph Webber, Lolagi Visinia, Jason Emery, Michael Collins, Fa’asiu Fuatai, Simon Hickey, Tayler Adams, Donald Brighouse, Epalahame Faiva, Boyd Wiggins, Patrick Tuipulotu, Christopher Vui, Jordan Manihera, Ardie Savea (C), Joseph Edwards. Replacements: Kalafi Pongi, Nick Grogan, Scott Scrafton, Hadleigh May, Teihorangi Walden, Sheridan Rangihuna, Jade Te Rure, Sione Mafileo.

Highlights

Ruddock’s men came close to dismantling the junior world rugby superpower. This in itself proves the worth of this young Irish outfit and also testifies their resilience. When faced with a backlash of tries in the second-half, many sides would have crumbled. However, an inner confidence in their ability as a coherent unit, gained through their impressive wins against Australia and Fiji, spurred them on to test the All Blacks until the final whistle.

The yellow card shown to Farrell was the clear game turner and swung momentum into Kiwi hands, momentum which was unfortunately never regained. Even with their steady and valiant come-back, New Zealand slowly capitalised on Ireland’s ill-discipline, as a succession of penalties either handed possession or points to the heavy-weights.

Ireland’s scrum and line-out was most impressive throughout the game and pushed the All Blacks back on a number of occasions, rising to the significant challenge presented to them. Although at times the Irish looked desperate in defence they stood tall in a ruck area dominated by first class opposition.

The Southern Hemisphere giants did appear, at times, beatable. The final ten minutes possessed an air of Irish hope and expectancy as the side produced phases and running lines just short of an upset.

An enthralling game which truly showcased the best of the both teams, with the Irish within touching distance of rugby euphoria. The Ulster contingent of Scholes, Joyce, Donnan and Taylor did their province proud. The squad can now hold their heads high as they look towards their encounter with the French in the play offs.