Ireland Under-20 sailed to a 46-3 bonus point victory against a robust Fijian outfit in the second round of the IRB Junior World Championship on Sunday evening in Vannes.

Megan Joyce in France

Rory Scholes and Darren Sweetnam each bagged a brace with Chris Taylor barging over and Dan Leavy sliding home in a six-try extravaganza. Centre Tom Daly added to the tally with a conversion and three penalties, despite fracturing his hand within the first ten minutes. Rory Scannell added a late conversion and penalty.

The first quarter saw a flurry of Fijian counter-attacks, led through the Islander’s pack who set the platform for quick ball out-wide to agile speedsters. Emori Waqa had Fiji’s first scoring opportunity but sent his penalty attempt shy of the posts. Daly then stepped up for the Irish to nail a penalty awarded in the scrum as the score-board got underway.

Ireland’s first try came as a result of steely momentum deep in the Fijian half. Daly broke the line to link with Steve Crosbie who whipped ball from left to right and into the hands of ex-Cork hurler Sweetnam for the score, Daly narrowly missing the conversion.

Fiji kept the Irish in their sights with an impressive penalty strike from Waqa, though Daly matched the Fiji scrum-half with the boot for his own three-pointer. The Fijian’s over-exuberant defensive efforts were then penalised as Daly stepped up for a third penalty to settle the half-time score at 14-3.

The second-half witnessed a disciplined display from Mike Ruddock‘s young charges. Electric scrum-half David Shanahan came within inches of the line following some strong forward momentum from the pack. Ulster’s Taylor soon took control and crashed his way over to seal the try after the scrum proved dominant, with Daly adding the extras.

Belfast Harlequin’s red-headed maestro then produced an individual score nothing short of brilliant. Scholes took the ball within the Irish half to evade several defenders before chipping over the top to collect, above the head of two Fijians, and touchdown for the bonus point.

Scholes then went in for his second after quality back-line inter-changes between Luke McGrath, Daly and Crosbie allowed the pace man to force his way over, with Daly unsuccessful from the tee.

Substitute Scannell sent a lofting kick into the stands to find touch as the forwards built the phases with twin brothers Edward Byrne and Bryan Byrne shining in the front-row and carrying effectively. Centre Mark Roche saw space out-wide via Sweetnam who put busy Leavy in at the corner. Scannell took over with the boot and sent his conversion wide of the posts.

The Munster man then dissected the sticks after the Irish were awarded a penalty to keep the score-board ticking towards a substantial score of 39-3. However, the Wolf-pups wnt in search of more.

Sweetnam sent the ball down the right-hand side touch-line to produce a fine finish by regathering and staying in touch to claim his second score and conclude the try count at six. Scannell then converted to end the game.

IRELAND U20: Darragh Leader, Darren Sweetnam, Mark Roche, Thomas Daly, Rory Scholes, Steve Crosbie, David Shanahan, Edward Byrne, Bryan Byrne, Chris Taylor, Gavin Thornbury, Sean McCarthy, Conor Joyce (C), Daniel Leavy, Jack O’Donoghue. Replacements: George McGuigan, Peter Dooley, Ryan Furniss, John Donnan, Josh van der Flier, Luke McGrath, Rory Scannell, David Panter.

FIJI U20: Timilai Rokoduru, Mosese Qionimacawa, Nasoni Kunavore, Akuila Tabualevu, Elia Ratucove, Peceli Tuisese, Emori Waqa, Joji Ravula, Tunai Vatubua, Mesake Doge, Esikia Macu (C), Kemueli Tokalau, Laijaisa Bolenaivalu, Jone Baleidau, Peceli Yato. Replacements: Penaia Cakobau, Zachery Lee, Aseri Robarobalevu, Sailasa Kerekere, Marika Vunibaka, Dylan Bower, Joeli Douglas, Joshua King.

Match Highlights

When quizzed on the physicality of the Fijian squad, captain Conor Joyce said:

The team are now two wins from two as the ultimate crunch with the Baby Blacks on Thursday is set to determine the squad’s Championship fate.

Watching New Zealand narrowly defeat the Wallabies yesterday evening, the All Blacks do look beatable if the Irish can maintain composure and forget their opponent’s status and reputation. The tournament heavy-weights were, at times, loose in possession.

Scholes is quickly becoming the star of this year’s young Ireland as he amounts three tries in the Championship. Ulster will be licking their lips at his return.

Speaking afterwards, Scholes took a modest approach when asked about his familiarity with the try-line:

He also spoke of the team’s schedule outside of training and match day preparations, he said:

Overall, it was a professional performance from the juniors who are improving with every game. Hopefully they will reach their optimum come the Kiwi showdown. They certainly possess the strength and depth of talent to defy the odds.

 Pictures Below