Balfe relishes prospect of U18 revenge mission
Having beat home side France in Auch after a thrilling 19-17 encounter on Sunday, Lorcan Balfe’s charges earned the right to take on their Six Nations conquerors in the showpiece.
“It’s a great chance to get revenge over England after the Six Nations and an opportunity to beat them,” the manager said from the team’s camp in the Pyrenees.
“We’re not afraid of them at all. We’ve watched them play and know their style. They’re a big, strong powerful side, play a structured and rigid style of rugby but we’re going to try and stop it.”
The semi-final victory was a huge shock as France were expected to stroll to the final on home soil.
“We had a superb defence. France were very strong and had three or four strong ball-carriers. We just defended very well. Unfortunately they got two tries because they have great pace out wide but we defended very well and scrambled and scrambled.
“Luke McGrath, who was captain and scrum-half, place-kicked and got everything for us. His four penalties and a conversion were outstanding. We scrummaged very well and the line-outs were excellent. Dan Leavy scored the try.
“It was very exciting. Just before us on the same pitch Wales and England played out a humdinger and England won it in injury time with a try. We were going into injury time defending a two-point lead and I had visions of France repeating it. Thankfully though, we held out.”
It was an experience which will bolster the future of Ireland rugby, according to Balfe.
“The experience of playing against French teams will stand to them. France play a very different style than we’re used to.
“We’re looking forward to Saturday now. Getting back to training today in preparation for the challenge England will pose.”
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