Updated at 19.00
NIGEL CAROLAN’S IRELAND U20s got their World Rugby U20 Championship campaign off to a winning start yesterday in Italy thanks in large part to a last-gasp penalty from replacement Tomás Quinlan.
The Cork Con man had barely been on the pitch for two minutes, on what was his debut at this level of rugby, when he was asked to step up and win the game for Ireland against Argentina with the very last kick.
Those three points came on top of five penalties from starting out-half Joey Carbery, who was one of Ireland’s most impressive players in Parma.
Ireland now move on to begin preparations for facing Scotland at Stadio San Michele in Calvisano on Saturday, before they look to the daunting task of taking down New Zealand at Stadio Luigi Zaffanella in Viadana.
Saturday’s clash with the Scots kicks off at 15.30 and will be screened live on TG4.
If Carolan’s men can be more consistent in their handling and set-piece efforts, as well as showing as much composure as Quinlan did yesterday for his winning kick, they could head into the clash with New Zealand with two wins from two.