IRELAND UNDER 20s star centre Garry Ringrose was in upbeat mood after helping his side claim a 24 – 20 win over Scotland in yesterday’s Pool C encounter in the Junior World Championship.
Though Ireland never trailed, they were on the back foot for long stretches of the game with Scotland’s pack in dominant mood.
The Scots, who beat Ireland in the Six Nations, created their own downfall with a string of knock-ons to nip their own momentum in the bud time and again.
“They were tough conditions, both packs were going hard,” Ringrose said post-match, “so it was the simple things that were going to win it.”
Indeed, Ireland were the side who managed to master the basics. Not just in clinical first half attacking moves that included a sublime assist from Ringrose, but at the breakdown and in the tackle too.
“If one or two things had gone differently I’m sure Scotland could have come out the right end of that result.
“We’ve certainly got a lot of work-ons for us and one or two lost opportunities, but all in all, it’s a positive.”
The looming shadow over Ireland’s two wins from two is a considerable black one however. New Zealand stand top of Pool C after overcoming a late scare against Argentina to win 32 – 29.
Despite leading 29 – 15 with 14 minutes remaining, the Junior All Blacks needed a 77th minute penalty from Otere Black - fresh off the plane after helping the Hurricanes through a minor injury crisis – to deny Argentina an outrageous result that was made possible by two tries from replacement Domingo Miotti.
Ringrose was speaking before watching that game, but if the Kiwi under 20s take on Ireland with a point to prove on Wednesday, then the summary of his theory will be spot on.
“They’ll be strong up front and have pace out wide. We’ll certainly have to bring our A game if we’re going to beat them.”
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