Nigel Carolan: Ireland will learn from New Zealand defeat

Ireland U20 coach Nigel Carolan said he was proud of the effort made by his men and they would learn from the chastening experience of trying to beat New Zealand.

Carolan’s side traded on parity for about half an hour in Wednesday’s World Rugby U20 Championship pool decider but the Baby Blacks pulled away from there. Now he must get his charges to regroup for Monday’s clash with Wales as they battle it out with Australia and Scotland for fifth place.

Seedings for next year’s competition, which is expected to be hosted in Manchester, will be decided on placings this year so Ireland still have a lot to place for. “We came into this knowing that we are in a very difficult group and that is exactly what it was. All three games were extremely difficult and I think we are in a group now with Australia, Wales, Scotland and ourselves.