The Ireland U20's scorched their British opponents tonight with 20 unanswered points in the second half to score a tremendous victory and their first scalp against England since 2010.
After a disastrous start, Nigel Carolan's side came alive in the second half and kept England scoreless for some 35 minutes as part of a remarkable comeback, spearheaded by their captain James Ryan.
Ryan snuck over the line to make it a nine-point game followed by another touchdown from Matt Byrne shortly after. With momentum on their side, Andrew Porter then sent the vistors surging into a 23-18 lead which ultimately frustrated the English side.
Stan South was sent off for dangerous play and Brett Connon punished with a cooly taken penalty to bring his own personally tally for the night to five points and more importantly, seal the landmark win for Ireland.
It was an exceptional exhibition of tenacity from the Irish U20 camp and the internet reacted accordingly. Let's hope the senior ranks can compliment these gallant efforts in Twickenham tomorrow.
Try for Matthew Byrne, converted by Brett Connon makes it @EnglandRugby U20 20-18 @pwcireland Ireland U20 #ShoulderToShoulder
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) February 26, 2016
Ireland U20 Captain is awarded the Man the Match Award #ShoulderToShoulder pic.twitter.com/SFMKB9CdFn
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) February 26, 2016
Amazing victory for the Ireland u20's. Bodes well for the Irish young guns starting tomorrow!https://t.co/3YRSDvEnMn
— Brendan Lannoye (@BrendanLannoye) February 26, 2016
@WindsorsHouse Mr Barrett trying not to look too smug following Ireland U20's win against England this evening pic.twitter.com/ZPnMQ6aAzs
— Barny Bury (@DaddyBear1992) February 26, 2016
FT: Incredible second half comeback from Ireland U20, to win 20-26. James Ryan MOTMhttps://t.co/FTvzfbJNYIhttps://t.co/U9o1dBHYpH
— Ultimate Rugby (@ultimaterugby) February 26, 2016
Great win for Ireland U20, unbelievable second half performance! ðŸ€ðŸ‰ #IRLvENG
— Martin O'Connor (@Marty__8) February 26, 2016
Jubilant Ireland U20 team. Great game @FalconsRugby tonight. pic.twitter.com/faTUE197CZ
— Chris Maddock (@cmaddockmuckle) February 26, 2016
Good win for @Joni_mcp and Ireland U20 v England tonight pic.twitter.com/cpRmnipXzl
— Winder House (@WinderHouse) February 26, 2016
Savage second half from Ireland U20. #IrishRugby #U20SixNations
— DT (@Denny_10) February 26, 2016
Fantastic stuff from Ireland u20's! Hope the same intensity and skill is on show tomorrow!
— Sean Gaughan (@Seaneen24) February 26, 2016
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