Nigel Carolan’s troops make it three on the trot as Ireland U20s overcome France

Ireland 27 France 22: Not a performance to shout about, but Ireland’s U20s did just about enough to make it three wins from three in this year’s Six Nations at Donnybrook last night.

It was a far from perfect display by Nigel Carolan’s young troops, but three tries in the first-half and the ability to construct a 14-point lead with over half an hour to play proved to be the cushion needed as they soaked up considerable French pressure on a perfect evening for rugby.

France’s main threat was scrum-half Arthur Retiere and it was the nine’s breathtaking run from the halfway line, through four attempted tackles, and this after retreating to field a clearing Irish kick that established the platform for the opening French try approaching half-time.