Irish Under-20's 2023

Ok so everyone was pretty frustrated with the silly errors and defence but it's important to remember that these guys are young and games like this are going to happen. As others pointed out, there is plenty of talent in that team that very rarely seemed to click together. I think they'll be better next game, as we seemed to grow in confidence in this one.

It's always difficult to tell how each u20 team is actually going to play each year but I think this side is mostly what a lot of people thought we'd be - some really interesting players in the pack but a lot less talent out wide. The defence was pretty much as expected as well probably. I remember watching them at u19 level (obviously there were some different players) and they were very porous in the backs against france when they won, and I heard they got ran threw in the second game in Dublin. The pack shouldn't get off light either, I thought they were poor tonight as well and I wonder if the backrow (or any of them) are quick enough to provide that link between the backs and forwards in defence when the ball is moved quickly wide.

Paddy McCarthy plays very much on the edge like his brother, and he reminds me a lot of Jack Boyle with how sharp his hits and carries are despite his size.

Gleeson looks exceptional, its rare to find his combination of size and skill. Big bodies like him and Coombes will be important for Munster to get the most out of Kendellan and Hodnett imo. Quinn looked good but maybe not quite as advertised - is openside likely to be his position going forward or is he playing there just to get our best players on the field? Hodnett and Kendellan struck me as having the right tools for the position and Quinn might have the size to play elsewhere.

As an Ulster fan I'm glad our sole representative didn't embarrass us. Thank you James McNabney lol.

Sam Prendergast looked very tidy. I thought he looks awkward running with the ball but he clearly has that step and offload down. Most importantly he looked very calm picking out the right passes and waiting for the right time to try and create overlaps. There was a lot of hype around the scrumhalf but he was just ok. Some mistakes but a nice pass, and clearly loves looking for his moment at the edge of the ruck.

I think Cooney played mostly well. He's a little undersized but plays physical - hopefully develops like liam Turner has.

Back three was very poor imo, looked a lot better when McErlean came on.

Well I'll be delighted if we see a better game this season, seniors or otherwise, some fantasy rugby there.

Yep a very good game. Lots of errors but two good teams.

Sorry, watching on BBC iplayer using VPN

Some of the commentary here was over the top. Sure Ireland didn't play well in the opening 50, but it was their first game out. You can see the coaches have thrown alot at them in terms of their attacking structure, with the forward pods and passes out the back. It takes time for it to bed in and they'll be much better from this game.

Some very good prospects in the pack. From a Munster pov, watching Gleeson was like a carbon copy of Gavin Coombes this season. Paddy McCarthy has great hands for a prop. I imagine Nicholson will start on the wing the next day, though Anagu didn't get much of oppertunity.

Edit: obviously impressions from ONE game and subject to radical change.

I watched most of the game again on youtube.

The best back on the field was the wales 13. He looks like he has everything. They in general had better backs.

Gunne was interesting. Very crisp passer. REALLY good box kicker. Seems fast and athletic as well. Made pretty bad decisions throughout but that is something he can learn.

Prendergast is kind of stiff. Not sure how athletic he is. Great skills and seems to see the field well. Good kicker off the tee. Not a great kicker from hand.

McCarthy looks like a loosehead and looks like a potentially elite loosehead. Does not move like a prop. Not sure why he’s playing tighthead. Needs to put on weight on that side but has the frame.

Quinn was out wide alot (seems to be what the seven does in this system) and the ball just didnt get there. He has all the tools though.

Gleeson looks like a beast with a mean streak. The other McCarthy was handy as well. Mangan another big guy with a mean streak.

One thing i’d like to see different at under 20s is to use the subs earlier. Give guys 20 minutes at least.

Overall my impression of the team before hand held up. Better individuals this year but maybe better team last year.

Yea. Need to see more obviously but prendergast interests me more than Tector. Functional and polished are two words i’d use for Tector. Of course, sometimes a guy with what seems like a lower ceiling just keeps improving.

Gunne’s box kicking was so strong, that it seems to me that with an experienced 10 outside him, you could blood him pretty quickly if he makes the academy. You know he can exit and be an asset in the kicking game pretty much immediately.

Agree. Felt sorry for Cawley and West particularly Cawley, Gunne looked like he was running on fumes towards the end and Cawley well able to take over. Give the bench decent game time.

Don't agree. The best way to develop, is to win.

I think there is some sort of spectrum of development and winning focuses, and its not as simple as just winning being a panacea. However, i get your point. I might be undervaluing the importance of winning at this level.