Ireland U20 10-14 England U20
England held on at a windswept Donnybrook Stadium to take victory and the Grand Slam despite a gritty Irish display.
The visitors claimed a first Slam at this grade in six years, but they were pushed to pins of their collars by a ferociously committed home side.
Henry Walker dived over just before the break to nudge England 14-3 ahead, but that was very harsh on Ireland, who just lacked a clinical edge in attack.
Jack Nay's early try had England motoring but luck deserted Ireland, when French referee Pierre Brousset failed to sin-bin Tom Curry for a blatant trip.
Bill Johnston booted over a 40th-minute penalty to give the hosts some hope, and they came out with renewed vigour in the second period.
In teeming rain and a strong wind, Nigel Carolan's team fought like lions.
Gavin Coombes' 64th-minute try, converted by Johnston, lifted the stadium and gave Ireland a huge shot in the arm.
Free-scoring England couldn't break down a wall of green as the tide turned.
In a barnstorming finish, an Irish maul scuttled to within metres of the line, but they failed to pick the lock against their ruffled opponents.
England hung on to take the Slam, but with the World Rugby U-20 Championship to look forward to this summer, this was an evening of many positives for the losers.
