Nigel Carolan's Ireland side were forced to produce a remarkable comeback as they salvaged a 17-point first half deficit to beat Wales in Manchester.
It was a torrid start to their World Rugby U20 Championship campaign when tries from Keelan Giles, Shaun Evans and Reuben Morgan-Williams got Wales off to a lightning quick start.
Daniel Jones added the conversion after this to give the Welsh a 17 point cushion after just 20 minutes.
Ireland's Jacob Stockdale is tackled by Rhun Williams
Image: ©INPHO/Camerasport/Dave Howarth
Credit to Ireland, however, who dug in to pull themselves back into the game. Tries from Jacob Stockdale and Adam McBurney coupled with some imperious kicking from Bill Johnston saw them trail by just a solitary point.
Jones pegged Wales further ahead with a penalty just after the restart.
Bill Johnston was on hand from the boot, splitting the posts twice before Stockdale crossed once again to put them clear.
Keelan Giles scored his second try of the game with less than five minutes remaining, but Ireland were able to hold out for the victory.
Ireland U20 Scorers:
Tries: Jacob Stockdale (2), Adam McBurney
Conversions: Bill Johnston
Penalties: Bill Johnston (2)
Drop-goals: Bill Johnston
Wales U20 scorers:
Tries: Keelan Giles (2), Reuben Morgan-Williams, Shaun Evans
Conversions: Daniel Jones
Penalties: Daniel Jones
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