Ireland score 25-phase try in final play to break Georgia hearts in U20 WC

IRELAND stole victory from the jaws of defeat during today’s RWC U20 opener against Georgia.

Willie Falloon’s side hammered Italy 55-15 in their opening game on Saturday.

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But they broke Georgia hearts in the final play of the game to steal a win against the European minnows.

The final score of the game came after a stunning 25-phase move as they kept hopes alive of a semi-final place.

Finn Treacy’s 83rd minute try at the Danie Craven Stadium in South Africa sealed the win after an epic move from the trailing Irish youngsters.

His former Presentation Bray team-mate Jack Murphy planted a classy touchline conversion to seal the win in dramatic circumstances as the underdogs watched on is disbelief.

Ireland took a 12-6 at the break but failed to build on the lead as the Georgian side showed their muscle in slick conditions.

Georgia had looked odd on for the shock win when they led 16-15 as the clock hit 80 minutes.

But to their credit, Fallon’s side didn’t hit the panic button as they showed their resolve to piece together a stunning move to seal a win.

Ireland’s final pool game comes against Australia at Athlone Sports Stadium, Cape Town, July 9.

The championship features 12 teams competing across three venues in the Western Cape region, including Cape Town and Stellenbosch.

Ireland: O’Connor; Colbert, Berman, Gavin, Moloney; Naughton, Coffey; Boyd, Smyth, Sparrow; McKillop, O’Connell; Edogbo, Flynn, L Murphy.

Replacements: Bell for Boyd (half-time), Gleeson for L Murphy (46), Mullan for Sparrow (51), J Murphy for Naughton (57), Spicer for McKillop (64), Treacy for Moloney (65), M Yarr for Flynn (78).

Georgia: Metreveli; Khorbaladze, Kobauri, Khaindrava, Keshelava; Tsirekidze, Jigauri; Ungiadze; Khakhubia, Mchedlidze; Lagvilava, Tsulukidze; Suluashvili, Dvali, Lomidze.

Replacements: Kuntelia for Mchedlidze 11-23 mins HIA, Kotorashvili for Ungiadze (57), Kheladze for Khakhubia (62), Tskhadadze for Tsulukidze (62), Ganiashvili for Lomidze (72), Kachlavashvili for Jigauri (62), Burtikashvili for Keshelava (75).

Referee: Reuben Keane (Australia)