As preparation for the Under 20 Rugby World Championship in South Africa, Ireland U20s faced an Ulster ‘A’ side at the Kingspan Stadium, on Saturday lunchtime. Ireland U20s brought an enlarged squad of 30 players and ensured that everyone got game time in hot, sunny Belfast.

The first 20 minutes was a cat and mouse affair, with defences on top and played between the 22s. Despite an even share of the ball, neither side could make a telling break.

The deadlock was broken on 21 minutes, when following a break, Max Flynn crossed under the posts. Jack Murphy‘s conversion put Ireland up 7-0.

Ulster replied quickly, when Ethan Graham got over to reduce the deficit to 5-7, after 25 minutes.

Ulster had a period of dominance, driving the Ireland pack backwards at a mall, before Callum Reid crashed over, after 31 minutes. Reece Malone‘s conversion put Ulster 12-7 to the good. Ulster’s momentum continued. Conor McKee scored on 39 minutes for Malone to convert to give Ulster a 19-7 lead.

Ulster relaxed and allowed Ireland back into the game, seconds before the halftime whistle. When Ulster failed to clear their lines, Ruben Moloney stole in for a try wide out on the right to leave Ulster 19-12 up at the break.

Ulster were first on the scoreboard in the 2^nd half, courtesy of a 48^th minute Malone penalty goal, to move Ulster out to 22-12.

Thereafter Ulster’s composure fell apart. Defenders were left grasping at shadows, as Ireland put together a ruthless display of attacking prowess. Tries by Tinn Treacy, 51 minutes, Wilhem De Klerk, 53 and 60 minutes, Flynn, 58 minutes and Tom Larke, 76 minutes, together with 4 Murphy conversions and a Sean Naughton conversion, gave Ireland a deserved and commanding 47-22 lead.

Ulster had the final say with Graham’s second try on 78 minutes, converted by McKee, reduced the fulltime deficit to 29-47.

This was a useful workout for Ireland U20s in preparation for their trip to South Africa.

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