Grand Slam winners defeated on Tuesday. World champions on Saturday. Georgia are next in the firing line.
Ireland U20s do not know the meaning of defeat.
They rallied from 17-0 down against Six Nations kingpins Wales in the World Rugby U20 Championship opener, midweek, and stormed back from 14-6 behind this afternoon.
Nigel Carolan’s Wolfpuppies are all but qualified for the semi-finals after taking Welsh and Kiwi scalps in the space of four days. Their 33-24 win over the Baby Blacks was their most impressive of a 2016 that started with a stutter and has gathered remarkable pace.
The @IrishRugby U20s have beaten New Zealand. Stunning stuff!!! https://t.co/HEV8eWaDPg
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) June 11, 2016
Irish captain James Ryan personified the fighting spirit, skill and ruthlessness that helped defeat a team that have won five Junior World Championships since 2008.
The 19-year-old Leinster lock, who excelled in the Six Nations, has taken his fine form onto the highest stage. He was awarded man-of-the-match in an 80-minute performance that saw Ireland’s pack destroy their opposite numbers.
Speaking post-match, Ryan did not blink when he was told Ireland had lost all five of their previous U20 meetings with New Zealand at the world championships. He said:
“I’m very proud of all the boys… We spoke before the game about making history and that’s what we did.”
Ryan was then asked if Ireland, who take on Georgia next, could win the entire tournament.
“Of course,” he replied.
