England beat Ireland in Under-20 Six Nations opener

Men’s Under-20s Six Nations

Ireland (3) 3

Pen: Wisniewski

England (9) 19

Holders England survived Junior Kpoku’s 20-minute red card to defeat Ireland in the Under-20s Six Nations opener 19-3 in Cork.

England held a 9-3 lead at half-time despite the sin-bin punishment for captain Tom Burrow, who was sent off in the 15th minute for a high tackle on Eoghan Smyth.

England were given a penalty try in the 68th minute, and Ben Coen’s fourth penalty of the game gave the visitors a comfortable victory.

It is a strong start to England’s bid to win back-to-titles, while it is a first home defeat for Ireland in the U20 Six Nations since 2018.

Before Kpoku was dismissed for a high tackle on Smyth, Ireland had dominated possession but England did so through Benjamin Coen’s penalty.

Under the new regulations that were put in place by World Rugby, the Racing 92 back row received the first player to receive a 20-minute red card in the championship.

After the break, Burrow was shown a yellow card for slapping Clark Logan’s ball out, but the visitors rallied back with another penalty from Exeter Chiefs fly-half Coen.

Ireland, who struggled to capitalise on their numerical advantage, got on the board through Sam Wisniewski’s penalty, but another effort from Coen gave England a 9-3 lead at the break.

It was a low-scoring second half in difficult circumstances that resulted in numerous handling errors on both sides.

After consulting with his TMO, the decisive blow came when England’s maul roared over the Irish line. The French referee awarded a penalty try.

To add insult for injury for Ireland, replacement Osin Minogue was sent to the sin-bin.

With two minutes left, the hosts pressed for a response but were unable to find a clinical touch in England’s 22. Coen’s late penalty gave the visitors a 16-point lead.

In the final play of the match, Ireland’s night was best summed up when James Kane, the match’s MVP, tackled the full-back into touch while Charlie Molony crossed for a consolation score in the corner.

In their second game, Neil Doak’s Ireland will face France at the Rec, while England will face France.

Ireland Under-20s: Charlie Molony, Derry Moloney, Connor Fahy, Eoghan Smyth, Ciaran Mangan, Sam Wisniewski, Clark Logan, Alex Usanov, Henry Walker, Alex Mullan, Mahon Ronan, Billy Corrigan, Michael Foy, Bobby Power, Eanna McCarthy (capt).

Replacements: Connor Magee, Billy Bohan, Tom McAllister, David Walsh, Oisin Minogue, Andrew Doyle, Gene O’Leary Kareem, Daniel Green.

England Under-20s: Jack Kinder, Jack Bracken, Angus Hall, Nic Allison, Charlie Griffin, Benjamin Coen, Archie McParland, Ralph MacEachran, Kepu Tuipulotu, Vilikesa Sela, Olamide Sodeke, Tom Burrow (capt), Junior Kpoku, Henry Pollock, Kane James.