Irish charge for a second Grand Slam gathers pace
ONLY Wales and France stand in the way of a second U20 Grand Slam for Ireland as Noel McNamara’s side picked up their third win of the competition away to Italy.
Two tries from their brilliant scrum-half Craig Casey on his return to the team from injury and one each for Scott Penney and captain David Hawkshaw gave Ireland a bonus point win in Rieti.
After beating England with a bonus point in week one, Ireland backed it up with an away win in Scotland, and they now host France at Musgrave Park, where a bonus-point win could be enough to secure a first championship in nine years for Ireland.
“It was incredibly tough out there, we’re delighted with the win, we’re delighted to come home with the bonus point, and just really looking forward to the next few weeks,” said Hawkshaw.
“We knew coming into the game how physical they’d be with the size of them and the way they play rugby.
“We’re looking forward to going back home to Cork for what should be a great game against France.”
Casey missed the Scotland game due to a shoulder injury, but he showed he was back to his best with a tenthminute try, while a conversion and penalty from Harry Byrne put Ireland 10-0 ahead.
Italy had four attacking lineouts within five-metres of the Irish in the first half hour but couldn’t breach the Irish defence, and just before the break Penney found the base of the post to put his side 17-0 ahead.
A brilliant break from captain Hawkshaw earned a penalty that allowed Byrne to put Ireland 20-0 ahead after half-time, but Ireland were certainly aided by Italy’s inability to take their chances.
Another five-metre lineout was fruitless for Italy, before a knock-on halted their progress following a superb linebreak from prop Matteo Drudi after 50 minutes.
With prop Luca Franceschetto in the sin-bin following a scrum infringement, Casey scored his second from close range after 60 minutes.
Matteo Nocera hit back for Italy before they had Jacopo Trulla yellow carded for a shoulder charge, and after skipper Hawkshaw sealed the bonus four minutes from time, Marco Butturini’s try meant Italy finished on a high.