Ireland power past Wales U20

WALES came off second best against a powerful Ireland side in an entertaining encounter to start the U20 Six Nations.

The Irish starting XV was sprinkled with Leinster academy players and boasted impressive forward power in the clash at Colwyn Bay’s Stadiwm CSM.

They finished deserved winners — but a young Wales team featuring 10 new caps at this level at least went down fighting as they claimed a bonus point for scoring four tries.

Byron Hayward’s side played with plenty of adventure, skill and resolve. But so many tackles took a toll and Ireland were able to post a big margin of victory in the end.

With their exceptional scrum and strong ball-carriers, the visitors were able to sap the energy of the Welsh players but not their will. Home skipper Ryan Woodman, hooker Sam Scarfe, scrum-half Archie Hughes plus centres Harri Ackerman and Louie Hennessey shone for Wales.

Ireland are rebuilding too but the presence of so many Leinster players was ominous.

Nonetheless, Wales led 15-14 at the break after an enthralling opening half. The home backs frequently dazzled, with the midfield triangle of Dan Edwards, Ackerman and Hennessey never less than dangerous, while Hughes buzzed all over the pitch and Winnett contributed some lovely touches from full-back. Wings Harri Houston and Morgan had their moments, too.

But Ireland had an advantage up front and brought it to the table with their first visit to the home 22 as lock Conor O’Tighearnaigh bashed his way over from short range.

Wales tried to play through their backs and hit back with a sparkling try from Hennessey. The home side were handling with confidence and assurance and it wasn’t long before they claimed a second touchdown. Ackerman bravely took a heavy shot from an Irish player before releasing. Hennessey and Winnett flicked out back-of-the-hand offloads out for Edwards to send Llien Morgan over – a score worth the admission money on its own.

But Ireland were warming to the forward battle and narrowed the gap to a point after prop Paddy McCarthy pounded his way over from short range. Woodman and his back-row colleagues Luca Gianini and Huw Davies led the defensive effort for Hayward’s team but Ireland’s greater power told after the break as they set the platform for James Nicholson to cross twice, with Ruadhan Quinn and Henry McErlean also making it over the home line.

Wales replied through Morgan and Scarfe, who showed up well in multiple areas.

They didn’t deserve to concede in the final minute when McErlean crossed, but it was a muscular effort all round from the visitors.