Under-19 World Championship; Ireland 20 Wales 15: Ireland produced a heroic second-half fightback to defeat Wales last night at the Exiles ground in Dubai, giving the young Irish side overall fifth place, four positions above their seeding, in the IRB Under-19 World Championship.
Moreover it reversed the result of two months ago when Ireland were soundly beaten by Wales in Dublin, and even more remarkable was the fact Ireland had to play out the final 10 minutes with 13 players as a result of two yellow cards.
One again the kicking of outhalf Brian Collins was a huge factor for Ireland, the Castleknock player converting both Irish tries as well as kicking a penalty and a drop goal. Ireland also owed much to the tactical kicking of Instonians scrumhalf David Drake, whose reading of the game showed immense maturity.
Ireland also kept the Welsh back line in check with trenchant tackling and quick engagement whenever Wales were in possession. Plaudits too are due to the Irish forwards, who after taking a pounding in the opening exchanges emerged the better pack.
Wales looked to be in command from the whistle when their powerful forwards bagged a couple of tries in the first five minutes, both from driven lineouts resulting in scores for flanker Daniel Franks and hooker Kenneth Owens.
Coach McAleese said the mood at half-time was very positive and Ireland showed this straight away as prop Cian Healy forced his way over after Drake had created a strong attacking position with a clever kick.
Collins kicked the conversion and then added the extra points to Ireland's second try, this time from a driven lineout and the final touchdown by replacement prop James Gethings.
Collins kicked a penalty but Wales were not finished, and with Gethings and Tom Walsh in the sinbin, the Irish forwards were unable to stop a drive and a try for number eight Lewis Evans.
Again it was Collins who relieved pressure with a massive drop goal. Wales then launched wave after wave of attacks to win the game, but Ireland's defence held firm.
Australia emerged as champions with a 17-13 win over New Zealand. England secured third spot, thanks to their try count, after a 12-12 draw with France.
IRELAND: S Carey (Garbally College); S Monahan (Trinity College), K Earls (St Munchin's), I Keatley (UCD), M Barker (Queen's); B Collins (Castleknock), D Drake (Instonians); R Murphy (Castleknock), G Slattery (St Munchin's), C Healy (Belvedere); T Anderson (Queen's), C McInerney (UCD); T O'Donnell (UL Bohemians), D Pollock (Queen's), K Sheahan (UCD). Replacements: R Sweeney (Castleknock), J Gethings (Gonzaga), D Gilchrist (UCD), A Browne (Galwegians), T Walsh (Castleknock).
WALES: M Thomas (Scarlets); A Jenkins (Scarlets), G Maule (Dragons), A Smith (Dragons), J Norris (Dragons); R Jones (Sale/Exiles), D Allinson (Scarlets); H Gustafson (Scarlets), K Owens (Scarlets), J Corsi (Dragons); B Davies (Blues, capt), L Reed (Scarlets); M Larsen (Blues), D Franks (Blues), L Evans (Dragons). Replacements: R Jones (Exiles), R Lewis (Dragons), M Jones (Exiles), L Ford (Blues).
Referee: K Brown (New Zealand)
