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Ireland U20 endure struggle-session to edge Georgia
By Ian Cameron
Ireland U20s began their World Rugby U20 Championship campaign with a disjointed 35-28 win over Georgia in Calvisano, surviving a physical onslaught in the Italian heat against a determined Junior Lelos.
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Neil Doak’s side looked to have gained control through second-half tries from Mahon Ronan and Charlie Molony, but a late Georgian surge narrowed the margin and underlined Ireland’s inconsistencies in both discipline and execution.
Ireland certainly started fast. Their opening try came with just over a minute played, as Charlie Molony caught a semi-charged down crossfield before putting Paidi Farrell over in the right corner.
Georgia replied on the 15 minute mark through 6’7 second-row Gagui Margvelashvili before Ulster hooker Henry Walker crossed in the 22nd minute to put Ireland ahead 13-7.
Georgia again responded, this time through Giorgi Spanderashvili, narrowing the gap to 18-14 as they went into half-time, with both sides losing men to the sin-bin before the break.
It took a second score just after the break to ease nerves, again through debutant Farrell.
Despite dominating possession, Ireland repeatedly struggled to exit under pressure and allowed Georgia to stay in touch – Spanderashvili touching down for his second on 49 minutes.
Mahon Ronan’s powerful close-range finish and a follow-up try from full-back Charlie Molony gave Ireland a 14-point cushion heading into the final quarter.
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Even then, Georgia weren’t done. A 79th-minute try from Shota Kheladze, converted deep into stoppage time, ensured a nervy final phase as the Irish defence scrambled to shut the door.
Molony, Walker and Ronan were among the brighter performers, but Doak’s men will need a significant improvement before facing stronger Pool C opposition.
Ireland next face Australia on Thursday in Paarl, where a win would likely secure semi-final qualification. For now, they escape with five points but plenty of work to do.
