Two second-half tries effectively sealed victory for the hosts last night as France cruised to victory with a forceful display against an overwhelmed Ireland side in the Six Nations.
France U20's - 34 Ireland U20's - 13
With Ireland trailing 17-13 at half-time, Nigel Carolan's side were already facing a difficult assignment after the break but were buoyed by their dominance in possession and repeated attempts to breach the French 22 in the first half.
And it was Ireland who enjoyed the better start to proceedings last night. They raced into the lead after just seven minutes through a Johnny McPhillips penalty after some of the French pack were adjudged to have gone in off their feet.
Ireland U20 trailing France 17-13 at HT. Tries from second rows Peter Claffey and James Ryan #ShoulderToShoulder pic.twitter.com/RXjoyHHMLz
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) February 12, 2016
French out-half Anthony Belleau levelled matters in the 21st minute but Ireland maintained their composure which culminated in Peter Claffey grounding the ball less than 10 minutes later, to secure Ireland's first try.
The French recovery was swift and they almost snatched a try for themselves shortly after. Judicaël Cancoriet broke through Ireland's wall and offloaded to Gabriel N’Gandebe who careered towards the line for an almost certain try but for the intervention of James Ryan who timed his tackle well.
France added another penalty to go 10-8 ahead which was followed by both sides trading tries before the break. Ireland crossed the line first through James Ryan while N’Gandebe finally earned his five pointer when he touched down in the corner just before half-time to give them the four point lead.
But it was in the second half that Franch managed to establish some distance between the sides. Anthony Belleau's strong kicking continued as he struck six out of seven shots throughout the game and Florian Verhaegue squeezed in two tries before the end to complete the mission and condemn Ireland to their second Six Nations loss this season.
