Ireland edge hosts to reach final

U-18 FIRA/AER CHAMPIONSHIPS:IRELAND WILL play England in the final of the U-18 FIRA/AER Championships on Saturday evening (5.30pm, Irish time) following a thrilling 19-17 victory over hosts France in Auch.

The Irish schools team showed tremendous resilience to eke out a narrow win in sweltering conditions.

Ireland coach Terry McMaster was delighted, especially as his charges had endured a slightly fraught passage to make the elite section of the tournament. Having lost to England in Donnybrook at Christmas, the Irish side had to travel to face Scotland – they beat the English in the interim – with the winner earning the second qualification place.

The Irish prevailed, but the draw for the semi-finals saw them pitted against a strong home team in Auch. The visitors trailed 10-9 at the interval with scrumhalf and captain Luke McGrath kicking three penalties.

The St Michael’s College schoolboy added a fourth, but the French struck back with a try and a conversion to put them 17-12 ahead.

The Irish responded by winning the re-start and patiently worked an opportunity for flanker Daniel Leavy who crossed for a try.

McGrath added the conversion and the visitors held out for the remaining eight minutes.

McMaster admitted: “We had done our homework prior to the game and knew what way France would try and play. We defended extremely well in the main and nullified their game plan for the majority of the contest.

“When we did get opportunities we executed them very well. The French had more possession and territory, but the boys showed tremendous courage and spirit.

“We didn’t perform as well as we might in this match and there is plenty left in the locker as we prepare to play England in the final. There are no injuries.

“A few of the boys took knocks, but following an evaluation by our medical staff, we will be able to choose from a full complement for the final.”

England beat Wales 38-34 in the other semi-final securing victory with a try in the final play of the game. Ireland’s defeat to the English earlier in the season is unlikely to be a barometer of how things will pan out this weekend.

The Irish side’s preparations for the game in Dublin were greatly hampered as two training camps had to be cancelled because of the snow. Roughly half the team has changed since then based on the performance of players during the respective provincial schools cups.

McMaster pointed out: “It wasn’t a question of not being given time. The IRFU had organised training camps, but these were snowed off. As a result of the cup campaigns we have more options. I have a very strong squad and would have no hesitation in playing any of the 26 players.”

In what was a brilliant weekend for Irish underage rugby an Ireland U-18 Clubs team beat their France U-18 counterparts 27-14 in Quimper with tries from Kieran Butler, George Cullen and Ultan Dillane with Thomas Daly adding two penalties and two conversions.

Under-18 Scorers

France– Try: Mathieu Guillomot, Thomas Teddy. Con: Quentin Pilet, Clement Vernezoul. Pens: Quentin Pilet.

Ireland– Try: Daniel Leavy. Con: Luke McGrath. Pens: Luke McGrath (4).

Teams

FRANCE:Q Pilet; F Cabantous, T Regard, V Mallet, T Teddy; M Guillomot, C Vernezoul; J B Custoja, C Tolofua, P Cotet; P Jedrasiak, J Aliouat; A Placines, J Laugel, M Tauleigne. Replacements: M Barres, R Hollet, K Vartanov, J Nibert, S Cerquera, H Veyssiere, B Duhalde, A Valette, A Smets, F Vialelle, E Selponi.

IRELAND:J Fitzpatrick; C McEllin, R Henshaw, C Farrell, C O'Halloran; R Scannell, L McGrath; G Frayne, B Byrne, E Byrne; J Sexton, D Lawler; M Best, D Leavy; R Murphy. Replacements: A Murphy, T Ferrari, C Taylor, G Thornbury for Lawlor, L Satchwell, J O'Neill, D Shanahan, S Olding, R Scholes, M Roche, S Glynn.