Under-20 Six Nations: France 31 – 37 Ireland – Victory for visiting team

Ireland defeated France 37-31 with a bonus point in the U20 Six Nations in Provence, avenging their loss in last year’s World Championship final.

First-half tries from Danny Sheehan and Brian Gleeson put Richie Murphy’s side ahead at half-time, before second-half touchdowns from Hugh Gavin and Finn Treacy secured a memorable victory.

France scored four tries themselves and two from captain Matisse Castro-Ferreira, with Patrick Tuifa and Mael Perrin scoring after the break to ensure they secured two bonus points.

The visitors got off to a perfect start with just four minutes remaining, with Sheehan powering over from close range and Jack Murphy adding another point after his team won a lineout five meters out.

After a few minutes, the hosts were even.

A scramble from the ball in the halfway line seemed to disturb the home forwards, but it was Castro-Ferreira who forced the ball home after a few tough moments near the Ireland line. Tom Laffey made no mistakes off the tee.

If the French thought their score would cause Ireland to retreat, they were wrong.

After Evan O’Connell’s try was canceled just short of the line, the visitors continued their pick-and-go approach near the host line, with No. 8 Gleeson scoring well. Murphy again added two points.

The seesaw continued four minutes after half-time, with skipper Castro Ferreira running in again after the hosts won a penalty in the left corner.

Laffey converted a superb kick to equalize the score once again, before Murphy converted a penalty with seconds remaining to put Ireland in front going into half-time.

The French started the second period in earnest and were in the lead again after seven minutes. Tuifa jerked out before driving in and Raffy’s conversion cracked the post.

But a few minutes later, Ireland got another point back in an aerial duel. Immediately after winger Grégoire Alfeuille was shown a yellow, the impressive Gavin burst through after some great set-up work from the forwards. Murphy used extras to maintain a 100% record from the tee.

With 12 minutes remaining, after a fumble by France in midfield, Ireland scored a Tracy touchdown on a kick-through for a bonus point. Murphy again took his steps toward conversion.

France somehow kept up the pressure and in an epic game, substitute Perrin broke through despite the attention of four Irish defenders to equalize and earn the home side a bonus point. Laffey hit another two-pointer off the tee.

With the game tied at 31-31, Murphy converted two penalties in the final five minutes to give Ireland the win and keep their hopes of winning a record third consecutive Grand Slam alive.

France U20: Fuerte; Alfeuille, Taccola, Desperes, Bosmolin. Laffey, Carbonneau. Julian, Massa, Awad. Gambini, Mezu. Zinzen, Tuifa, Castroferreira (c)

Replacement: Cooley, Ametra, Duchesne, Corso, Perrin, Kele Carraba, Nene, Biazotto

Ireland U20: O’Connor; Tracy, de Klerk, Gavin, McLaughlin. J. Murphy, Coffey; Ussanov, Sheahan, Andrew Spicer.Alan Spicer, O’Connell (c); Hopes, Ward, Gleeson

Replacement: Walker, Howard, Boyd, Corrigan, L. Murphy, Brophy, Norton, Graham.