Captain Alex Kendellen led by example as he crossed the whitewash twice in Ireland's 30-23 victory over Italy in their Under-20 Six Nations encounter at Cardiff Arms Park.
Eoin de Buitléar and George Saunderson grabbed early Ireland tries but Italy capitalised on the sin-binning of Jude Postlethwaite, with Simone Gesi, Tommaso di Bartolomeo and Leonardo Marin helping the Azzurri to a 23-12 lead at the interval, Marin adding on a penalty with the last kick of the half.
Kendellen bulldozed his way over the line in the 45th minute, with Nathan Doak adding the conversion and a penalty just minutes later.
55' Italy 23-22 Ireland - It's been a much stronger showing so far this half from Ireland, in the balance now in Cardiff #RTErugby pic.twitter.com/EjgwmCVqIM
— RTÉ Rugby (@RTErugby) July 7, 2021
Ireland's cause was made easier when referee Sam Grove-White brandished a yellow card at Italy captain Luca Andreani.
Kendellen was in for another close-range try in the 55th minute, with Doak following up with a conversion and another penalty.
Ireland turn it around in Cardiff thanks to Alex Kendellen #RTErugby pic.twitter.com/DX5wRw5fHo
— RTÉ Rugby (@RTErugby) July 7, 2021
A third bonus-point victory in four rounds has sent Richie Murphy's side to the top of the table, but a formidable England outfit will be confident of regaining top spot when they clash with Wales at the same venue tonight.
