#8 Frankie Taggart 3

Ireland Under 20s

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time, having come through a daunting pool in which they lost their opening game.

misnomer. Ireland led 23-21 at the interval and if they somehow could have found a panacea to

Mike Ruddock’s side will take on defending champions England tomorrow at QBE Stadium,

brittle defence, they might have gone mighty close against their hosts.

in Auckland at 6.05am (Irish time).England topped their pool undefeated and will be brimming

Ireland lost this game because of technically poor defence. The defensive line resembled an

Garry Ringrose has been the stand-out performer in number 13 jersey

with confidence, especially given that they beat Ireland 33-9 in the Six Nations earlier this year.

S-bend more often than not and instead of going low and putting the New Zealand ball carrier,

Gavin Cummiskey

Ireland are sweating over the fitness of their inside centre Dan Goggin.The Munster academy

Ireland went too high against physically more powerful opponents. The price was exorbitant.

The Ringrose clan, St Michael’s College and UCD can take the most satisfaction from this

player has been outstanding throughout the competition and if Ireland were to lose another

It should be noted that the Baby Blacks’ running lines and offloading were of a very high stan-

odyssey. That’s what any journey to the penultimate stages of a rugby tournament in New

one of their first choice players, it would put a massive dent in their hopes of reaching the final.

dard. They had the game’s best player in outhalf Richard Mo’unga, the catalyst for their best

Zealand deserves to be called.

Speaking ahead of tomorrow’s game, Ruddock insisted that his side are not getting ahead of

moments, ably supported by fullback Damian McKenzie and a superstar in the making, left

It has been fraught with peril and still, somehow, Mike Ruddock’s Ireland team are in a World

themselves. “We’re not getting carried away. It’s a really good achievement to reach the semi-fi-

wing Tevita Li.

Cup semi-final against England. Considering tomorrow’s opponent beat them 33-9 at Franklin’s

nals, but we know there’s a lot of work to be done yet.”It’s been a real team effort all the way

Ireland too were bolstered by some exceptional performances, notably fullback Cian Kelleher,

Gardens in February the coming power surge may prove overwhelming.

through. Jack O’Donoghue, I think, deserves a special mention as captain. He’s led from the

who had a marvellous game, so too Frankie Taggart while Ireland’s centre pairing of Harrison

But it’s some feat to get this far without three off the best underage players in the country – Dan

front and has rallied his troops superbly,” said Ruddock. “Look, let’s see what happens. If we

Brewer and Garry Ringrose had moments of quality too.

Leavy, Seán O’Brien and Peter Robb, while David Busby is another injury-enforced absence.

can make a final, then we might start talking about being a bit more of a special group.”If we can

Individually and collectively, the pack excelled in the set-piece and also in carrying ball into

Leavy, then O’Brien were named captain. Adversity does strange things to young men and Jack

win the World Cup then definitely they can talk about being a special group. But at the moment

contact. They ran to a standstill, until there was nothing but lactic acid left in the muscles.

O’Donoghue has proved an inspirational, albeit third choice, skipper.

it’s just another game and we’ve got to front up and continue to improve,” he added.Ruddock’s

Ireland’s performance in those opening 40 minutes broached both ends of the spectrum,

Granted, they have yet to beat a major Southern Hemisphere opponent and did lose to France

men will also be looking for revenge for their 33-9 defeat in the Six Nations in February this

porously brittle in defence contrasting with some exquisite attacking patterns, the product of

but they have reached this juncture by scoring tries.

year.”England, the current World champions, are our next opponents and it doesn’t get any big-

excellent footwork and intelligent support lines.

From the big picture perspective this crop looks set to yield some decent professionals.

ger than that. They will be confident after beating us in the Six Nations, but we have improved

The defence though was a massive issue and while New Zealand’s ability to shift the ball in

“Brian O’Brien, who used to be manager of the senior Irish side, used to say if you got three

since then. Nothing less than our ‘A’ game will do.”Regardless of what happens in Auckland

the tackle and run clever inside trail lines, Ireland’s first up defence was weak and directly

internationals out of an under-21 squad you are doing really well,” said Mark McDermott, coach

tomorrow, Ireland are guaranteed their best ever finish at the Junior World Championship, but

responsible for all three tries during that period.

of the 2004 side that reached the Junior world cup final.

given the competitive nature of this current crop, they will be hoping to go one better.IRELAND

New Zealand outhalf Richard Mo’unga - he carried the ball in two hands and offered a constant

Injury permitting, Leavy should come again but the Leinster think tank already saw enough of

IRELAND V ENGLAND,LIVE, TOMORROW, SKY SPORTS 2, 6.05AM Irish Independent

running threat - made the initial incision, running 15 metres before offloading to the supporting

England Under-20s stand between Ireland and IRB Junior World Cup final Sat, Jun 14, 2014, 01:00

Ross Molony to promote him right out of school.

Tevita Li to sprint under the Irish posts.

side inspired by Garry Ringrose, but his age didn’t stop Girvan Dempsey making full use of

Mike Ruddock rings the changes for Ireland U-20s third place play-off with All Blacks First published:Thu, Jun 19, 2014, 01:00

his growth spurt.

Mike Ruddock has made a number changes to his Ireland Under-20s side for tomorrow’s third

fullback Damien McKenzie did brilliantly to catch and offload, despite being hit in the air by

In the recent British and Irish Cup final against a bunch of grizzled semi-pros from Leeds

place play-off at the IRB Junior World Championship.

Gaffney. Li breezed past a couple of tacklers and this time it was the left wing that passed to

Carnegie, Ben Marshall was helped ashore after seven minutes. Molony arrived and was the

Jack O’Donoghue has been ruled out of the game against host nation New Zealand as he con-

Mo’unga for the try.

outstanding forward in Donnybrook that night.

tinues to observe to the ‘return to play’ concussion protocols following a knock in the semi-final

Li’s second try was also down to ragged Irish defence, rank tackling and a clever inside pass

An English enforcer even tried roughing him up and while he didn’t retaliate you could see he

defeat to England.

from New Zealand scrumhalf Mitchell Drummond. McKenzie converted all three.

will the next time.

Peadar Timmins will captain the side in his absence.

Yet for all Ireland’s shortcomings in defence, their work with the ball was of a very high standard,

Like Ringrose, he has put on noticeable muscle and there is more to come.

The backrow sees Timmins joined by Rory Moloney, who is named at openside flanker with

from their excellent rolling maul to a powerful scrum and the facility of several individuals to beat

UCD have six players in the squad but St Michael’s arrival as a serious rugby nursery is reflect-

Frank Taggart moving to number eight.

the first tackle; Kelleher shone like a beacon in this respect

ed by the presence of Cian Kelleher, Ross Byrne, Nick McCarthy and Molony.

Dylan Donnellan and Oisin Heffernan both make their first starts of the tournament partnering

Ireland were correctly awarded a penalty try by French referee Alexandre Ruiz after the shunt-

Leavy also went there and Josh Murphy just missed the bench as Ruddock went with former

Peter Dooley in the front row with Darragh Moloney named in the second row alongside Ross

ed the New Zealand eight back over their line from a scrum, while the second came from

Roscrea flanker Darragh Moloney.

Molony.

a Ringrose break, and the neat footballing skills and dexterity of outstanding tighthead prop

There are no stars in this team but Ringrose has really impressed in the 13 jersey.

Harrison Brewer is named in the centre along with Garry Ringrose.

Oisin Heffernan.

A Blackrock centre retires another one arrives.

TG4 will broadcast this game live on Friday morning (6.05am Irish time) ahead of the final.

Outhalf Ross Byrne kicked three penalties and two conversions; Ireland led 23-21 at the interval

Interestingly, of the 14 Leinster players in the match day squad only two are listed in the prov-

Meanwhile, Victor Matfield will become the most-capped South African player of all time when

and on the balance of play in that first half it was no more than the visitors deserved. It’s been a

ince’s academy. That’s one of those good problems enhanced by this success. And regardless

the giant lock leads the Springboks in the second Test against Wales in Nelspruit on Saturday.

gruelling tournament from a physical perspective and there would have been a concern about

of the result here, this has been a success.

When he takes to the pitch, the 37-year-old will beak the record of 2007 World Cup-winning

whether the Irish side could last the pace.

They have a real chance of making the final but England crushed Italy (63-3), beat Australia

skipper John Smit with his 112th appearance for the side as South Africa look to wrap up the

They couldn’t, despite the collective bravery and character displayed, supplemented by the

(38-24) and survived Argentina (17-16). Their heavy artillery should prove decisive.

two-Test series.

periodic arrival of fresh legs. Ireland’s defence remained a fundamental issue and New Zealand

And France coach Philippe Saint-Andre has recalled versatile back Hugo Bonneval and flanker

exploited it with a further four tries from James Tucker, Lachlan Boshier, Drummond and the

Fulgence Ouedraogo to the starting side for the third and final Test against Australia in Sydney,

game’s outstanding performer Mo’unga.

Coach Mike Ruddock has made a number of changes for the bronze medal match

as Les Bleus bid to avoid a series sweep.

The harsh glare of the scoreboard was tough on the Irish boys, the discrepancy in points’ terms

Wed, Jun 18, 2014, 16:31

Beaten 6-0 in Melbourne last Saturday, France have already lost the series 2-0, but have re-

a product of tired minds and limbs. Ireland went down to New Zealand minus half a dozen

The Irish Under-20 side to face New Zealand Under-20’s in the 3rd place play-off of the IRB

tained a strong side for the match at Sydney Football Stadium with the hope of ending a 24-year

front-line players and lost their captain and pivotal performer Jack O’Donoghue to concussion.

Junior World Championship has been named.

losing streak on Australian soil.

They should be proud of what they achieved but it make take a day or two for that to sink in.

Last year he led St Michael’s to the Leinster Schools Senior Cup final, losing to a Blackrock

Irish Under 20s face Kiwis for third place

Head Coach Mike Ruddock has made a number changes to the side that lost out to England in the semifinal match.

Ireland U-20 suffer second half blackwash at Eden Park

Jack O’Donoghue has been ruled out of the game as he continues to observe to the ‘return to

Mike Ruddock’s side finish in fourth place overall in the agegrade World Championship

play’ concussion protocols. Peadar Timmins will captain the side.

The second was equally disappointing from an Irish perspective. Ireland were pedestrian, right wing Ciaran Gaffney an exception, in chasing a Ross Byrne up and under. New Zealand

England later defended their IRB Junior World Championship title with a thrilling 21-20 win over South Africa at Eden Park.

There was a consolation for South African captain Handre Pollard, after he was voted IRB Junior Player of the Year.

The back row sees Timmins joined by Rory Moloney, who is named at openside flanker with

Ireland’s Cian Kelleher had an outstanding game against New Zealand.

Scoring sequence

Frank Taggart moving to number 8.

Fri, Jun 20, 2014, 10:05

7 mins: Li try, McKenzie conversion, 7-0; 9: Byrne penalty, 7-3; 12: Byrne penalty, 7-6; 19:

Dylan Donnellan and Oisin Heffernan both make their first start of the tournament partnering

New Zealand U-20 45 Ireland U-20 23: It was half a match too far for a battered and belea-

Mo’unga try, McKenzie conversion, 14-6; 23: Penalty try, Byrne conversion, 14-13; 26: Byrne

Peter Dooley in the front row with Darragh Moloney named in the second row alongside Ross

guered Ireland team that once again demonstrated cameos of rich quality but succumbed to

penalty, 14-16; 28: Li try, McKenzie conversion, 21-16; 30: Heffernan try, Byrne conversion, 21-

Moloney.

the physical wear and tear of a long tournament. This was Ireland’s highest ever finish and

23. Half-time: 21-23. 48: Tucker try, 26-23; 67: Drummond try, McKenzie try, 33-23; 71: Mo’unga

Harrison Brewer is named in the centre along with Garry Ringrose.

given the obstacles they overcame they deserve nothing but praise for their efforts. This though

try, McKenzie conversion, 40-23; 79: Boshier try, 45-23.

TG4 will broadcast this game live on Friday morning (6.05am Irish Time) ahead of the IRB

was a brutal lesson.

Referee: Alexandre Ruiz (France)

JWC Final

New Zealand scored seven tries to two, a stark statistic that suggests a contest of a certain

Ireland defied the odds to reach the semi-finals of the Junior World Championship for the first

ilk in this Under-20 World Championship third and fourth place play-off game but it would be a

Name CLUB Position Rory Burke Cork Constitution Prop Denis Coulson Carlow / Lansdowne Prop Peter Dooley Lansdowne Prop Oisin Heffernan Lansdowne Prop Craig Trenier Terenure College Prop Max Abbott Cork Constitution Hooker Jack Dinneen Galwegians Hooker Dylan Donnellan University College Dublin Hooker Stephen Gardiner Lansdowne Lock Darragh Moloney Cork Constitution Lock Ross Molony University College Dublin Lock Diarmaid Dee Young Munster Back Row Rory Moloney Buccaneers Back Row Josh Murphy University College Dublin Back Row Jack O’Donoghue UL Bohemians Back Row Frank Taggart Belfast Harlequins Back Row Peadar Timmins University College Dublin Back Row Ryan Foley Cork Constitution Scrumhalf Nick McCarthy University College Dublin Scrumhalf Ross Byrne University College Dublin Flyhalf Conor McKeon Lansdowne Flyhalf Harrison Brewer Terenure College Centre Dan Goggin Y oung Munster Centre Garry Ringrose University College Dublin Centre Ian Fitzpatrick Lansdowne Wing Cian Kelleher Lansdowne Wing Alex Wootton Garryowen Wing Billy Dardis University College Dublin Fullback Ciaran Gaffney Galwegians Fullback

Fixtures & Results Date Venue 02 Jun 17:35 France 19 - 13 Ireland QBE Stadium, Auckland 06 Jun 17:35 Wales 21 - 35 Ireland ECOLight Stadium, Pukekohe 10 Jun 13:35 Ireland 38 - 0 Fiji QBE Stadium, Auckland 15 Jun 17:05 England 42 - 15 Ireland QBE Stadium, North Harbour 20 Jun 17:05 Ireland 23 - 45 New Zealand Eden Park, Auckland

IRELAND Seeding for 2014 JWC: 8 Best finish: Fifth (2012) Worst finish: Ninth (2008, 2010) JWC match record: Played 30/Won 14/Lost 16 JWC points/tries scored: 707/73

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