Scannell conversion gets U20s off the hook

Italy U20 25 Ireland U20 25

At one stage Ireland trailed by 15 points in and seemed poised for a first loss to the Italians at this level. But second-half tries from Leinster’s Jerry Sexton and Ulster’s Rory Scholes rescued Ireland as Italy came desperately close to their first win of the competition in Avezzano.

The home side crossed the Irish try-line three times in a poor first half and again just after the restart, but Scholes’ late score and a splendid conversion from Rory Scannell gave Ireland the draw they barely deserved.