Irish Under-20's 2023

sydthebeat · 29-06-2023 11:26am

that should be game

Stephen_Maturin · 29-06-2023 11:28am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120781375#Comment_120781375

What?!

Surely not!!

Jump_In_Jack · 29-06-2023 11:31am

Very impressive work by the whole team, conditions mean they have to adapt to a short carrying and kicking game plan, the centres and pack are doing a great job with their physical presence, Australia probably a little less cohesive and Ireland are playing like a well-oiled unit.

Locke_Lamora · 29-06-2023 11:40am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120781375#Comment_120781375

I can't see it, height and weight statistics always seem a little skewed at this level. They may make up a bit of weight in the backrow but props and second row should heavily favour the seniors.

sydthebeat · 29-06-2023 11:42am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120781456#Comment_120781456

I was told that the starting pack was 918kgs, but don't quote me on it.

I didn't check

All_in_Flynn · 29-06-2023 11:57am

Such a likeable group. They just keep going.

AbusesToilets · 29-06-2023 12:02pm

Great win in some shite conditions.

typhoony · 29-06-2023 12:32pm

Team is much improved with Gleeson In it, carrying the ball into contact it looks like he's been stopped but somehow nearly always finds a way to gain extra yards on second momemtum, Really is a great time for Irish Rugby

Buer · 29-06-2023 12:37pm

That win is huge. Really ramps up the pressure on England who play Fiji this evening.

Hopefully we're able to rotate after today for Fiji but we'll have a better idea of what threat Fiji pose later on. Another fairly short turnaround before the next game on Tuesday so a few days extra of recovery would be good for some guys particularly those in the pack who emptied the tank today.

Gleeson, Paddy McCarthy and Gunne were all excellent. Gunne's kicking game has gone to another level this tournament. He tortured Australia with his box kicking and has a nice variation to it also when we saw a little chip over a ruck in his own half perfectly kicked for an onrushing Gleeson to make a big carry. Gleeson himself just keeps putting his hand up to carry and be involved. He's a very solid player. I don't think I've seen less than a 7/10 performance from him.

I thought Paddy McCarthy was brilliant. Absolutely minced his opposition tighthead and won multiple penalties there. Huge carry in the build up to our opening try which was important to turn the tide and won at least one breakdown steal.

As it stands, it's ourselves, England, France, NZ, Argentina and SA in the mix for the 4 semi final spots. France have been the most impressive team so far but I don't think there's anything to feat from any of those sides. Depth and power could tell as the tournament goes on but we should be able to give any of those teams real problems.

pickarooney · 29-06-2023 12:43pm

How does this tournament actually work with 3 pools of 4? Are there QFs with 2 3rd place runners up or SFs with 2 2nd place?

typhoony · 29-06-2023 1:03pm

Prendergast had a ok game, he made a few mistakes again, kicking out on the full once and his passing sometimes let's him down. But a very physical presence in his position

Buer · 29-06-2023 1:06pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120781744#Comment_120781744

Three pool winners and the best runner up go through to the semi final. After our BP draw, we were always going to be in with a very good shout of at least being the best runner up if we won today. But the fact that we won by 20 points with a BP, means we're in a great position to top the pool.

As of right now, France are looking comfortable against NZ which makes them hot favourites to be top seed. That would mean (assuming we seal top spot with a little help from Australia/Fiji) we would face South Africa or Argentina in the semi final.

Buer · 29-06-2023 1:07pm

21-0 now to France against NZ. They have to be hot favourites for the tournament right now.

29-06-2023 1:17pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120781744#Comment_120781744

Sfs with 1 second place

OneLungDavy · 29-06-2023 1:23pm

I felt a bit for the sub Ozzy tight-head, their scrum simply collapsed when he came on. Young Foxe looks a powerful player and Barret is an absolute unit.

AbusesToilets · 29-06-2023 1:27pm

Thought Aus looked better with the ball in hand. We looked laboured and ineffective moving the ball across the backline. The strong, direct carries by the forwards won that for us.

AbusesToilets · 29-06-2023 1:31pm

reddest of red cards for Wales vs Japan only a yellow, not a good look for me

Le Bruise · 29-06-2023 1:37pm

Only dipping in and out of the France v NZ game in work here....are France really that good or is this a very poor All Black team (or a little of column A and a little of column B)?

AbusesToilets · 29-06-2023 1:39pm

Japan really play a lovely style of rugby, fantastic quality of passing there, especially with the rain

Dubinusa · 29-06-2023 1:48pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120781845#Comment_120781845

Yep. France are great. The kiwis look poor and soft.

ulsteru20s · 29-06-2023 1:55pm

Just watched it.

Gleeson and McCarthy were amazing. McCarthy at loosehead has sky high potential.

Guys only get subbed on this team when they look absolutely wrecked and not a minute earlier, so hopefully there is more rotation for the next one.

ulsteru20s · 29-06-2023 1:57pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120781252#Comment_120781252

I agree on the backs. The australian ones looked quite a bit more athletic. Our backs are very well drilled but most of the talent seems to be in the pack. Albeit, today was a day for forwards.