Six Nations U-20s: England v Ireland

By Wesley Liddy

The Ireland Under-20s resume their Six Nations campaign at Kingsholm on Friday. Their third game of the championship pits them against perennial powerhouses England. Following Ireland’s narrow defeat in Toulouse last time out, this tie will make or break their campaign.

Much like their Irish peers, this crop of English youngsters come highly rated. Unlike the Irish, though, they are packed with experience at this age grade. Sixteen of last year’s squad, which reached the junior world cup final, are underage again this season.

Despite losing 3-1 on the try count, Ireland were one-point victors in the corresponding fixture last year. A memorable last-gasp 40-meter drop goal from Leinster’s Ian Madigan sealed victory. However, the result was a major shock and only two of the starting Irish 15 from that night remain eligible this season.  

The nucleus of these two sides played at the Under-18s Six Nations festival in Cork two seasons ago, where the English went undefeated. Their coach at the time, former international Alex Sanderson, spoke about the squad in glowing terms: ‘I wouldn't be surprised if they replicate the talent of the England Under-19s team from 2005. That team included the likes of Danny Cipriani, Shane Geraghty and Nick Abendanon who have all gone on to play for England seniors since.’

All evidence would point to the English being warm favourites this weekend except for one major development. While Martin Johnson’s senior side may be benefiting from the agreement reached with Premiership clubs regarding the release of players from club duty during international windows, the Under-20s are feeling the pinch as a result.

Key players such as Tom Homer of London Irish, Rory Clegg of Harlequins and James Gaskell of Sale are all being sent back to their clubs to take the place of absent full internationals in Premiership games scheduled for Six Nations weekends.

The first game of this year’s championship was the only game of the season where England U-20s can expect to have a full complement available. On that weekend they destroyed the Welsh by 41 points to 14. The next week, minus their leading players, England struggled to a 16-10 victory over Italy.

Ireland’s comprehensive defeat of the Azzurri illustrates that victory over a depleted English side is well within their grasp. Considering England’s absentees an Irish victory may not represent a true comparison of the talent available to both countries at this level. Bearing this in mind, performance is perhaps more important than result at this age grade, particularly in relation to long-term player development and the possible emergence of some players as full senior internationals.

There were many encouraging developments in Ireland’s first two games of the championship. Andrew Conway looks a future star at full-back and made a highly encouraging senior debut for Leinster against the Scarlets last weekend.

Still just 18, Conway sent Jonathan Sexton in for a try with his first touch in the professional game and moments later prevented a certain five-pointer with a last-ditch tackle on Scarlets winger Andrew Fenby. Conway looks a likely replacement for Shane Horgan in the Leinster side when the Meath man decides to hang up his boots.

Wingers Zebo and Hudson both look accomplished players, while centres Brendan Macken and Nevin Spence came into the season highly rated and have not disappointed.

As a pair they are perhaps a bit similar. Both have a tendency to look for line breaks at every opportunity which, while encouraging, obviously limits the supply of ball to the back three. They already have the physique of professional players but many physically developed schoolboy stars need a prolonged period of adjustment to the professional game.

Their line-breaking ability at underage level can diminish their need to develop a passing game. This flaw can become very exposed at senior level. One only needs to look as far as Andrew Trimble for an example. Trimble blazed a trail through age-grade rugby but after a bright start has only really re-emerged as an international this season and that has been on the wing rather than in midfield where the skillset needed is more refined.

Up front the Irish pack’s scrummaging display against the French was as surprising as it was encouraging. For an Irish front-row just out of school, where scrums are essentially uncontested, to dominate on French soil is almost unheard of.

Jack O’Connell looks a possible long-term solution for Ireland at tight head while Stuart McGuire on the bench, pilfered from the Dragons academy, is an absolute behemoth at 6’ 5” and over 21 stone.

Hooker Niall Annet and the back-row trio also look hugely promising. Rhys Ruddock and Dominic Ryan were highly touted coming into the championship, having played at this level last year, but it has been their back-row colleague Paddy Butler who has really stole the show. With a bit more bulk it’s easy to see Butler becoming a first-choice for Munster over the next few years.

All things considered there is much to be positive about. The future of Irish rugby looks in good hands. Hopefully these Under-20s continue to develop towards the pro ranks.

In the meantime, a victory over the English is always welcome.