Winger Paidi Farrell's brace of helps Ireland to opening victory over Georgia at World Rugby Under-20 Championships
Old Wesley clubman Paidi Farrell scored two tries as the Ireland got off to a winning start at the World Rugby U-20 Championship courtesy of a 35-28 win over Georgia.
Farrell scored a try in each half with Henry Walker, Mahon Ronan and Charlie Molony also scoring a try each in a five try bonus point win. Tom Wood, son of former Munster, Ireland and Lions captain Keith Wood, also kicked ten points from the tee.
Ireland came into this game off the back of a poor Six Nations where they won just once out of five games, but have gotten off to a perfect start in a tough pool that also features tournament hosts Italy and last year's finalists New Zealand.
Despite the 6pm kick-off time in Calvisano, there were water breaks needed as the temperature hit 34 degrees. That energy sapping feeling translated onto the pitch, more so in the first half, as Ireland pulled clear in the third quarter to avoid any late drama.
Neil Doak's men scored from their first possession as Farrell, who did not feature in the Six Nations, got Ireland's opening try of the championship. Munster academy duo Michael Foy and Eoghan Smyth linked up in midfield to take Ireland within striking distance of the line. Tom Wood's cross field kick found it's way to Farrell and Ireland were off the mark.
The Ballina-Killaloe product Wood would extend Ireland's lead to eight a few minutes later following an impressive scrum penalty won by the Irish front-row, although this was one area the Georgian's would dominate across the game.
Georgia crossed for the first of their scores right on the quarter hour through lock Gagi Margvelashvili. The Racing 92 man powered over from close range as Ireland failed to deal with the Georgian power through contact.
The sides would trade tries from here, with Ireland scoring next. Tom Wood's magnificent 50/22 meant Ireland had a close to the Georgian line, and after a powerful rolling maul from all eight Irish forwards, Ulster hooker Henry Walker dotted down for his third try of the year.
Georgia responded through scrum-half Giorgi Spanderashvili, who scored two quick finish tries, but the middle period of the game was dominated by Ireland. Wood landed a penalty before half-time to give Ireland a four point lead at the break, before they went up a gear.
Paidi Farrell started the second half like he did the first with a run-in try in the right corner, combining with Eoghan Smyth again. Spanderashvili reduced the Margin before tries from the impressive second-row Mahon Ronan and fellow Leinster man Charlie Moloney gave Ireland a 14 point cushion heading into the final quarter.
Ronan was busy throughout the contest and powered over from close range for Ireland's all important fourth try, ad bonus point score, having made an initial barnstorming carry a few phases prior.
Molony's score on the hour mark put Ireland out of sight. The UCD outside back glided past the Georgian defensive line to dot down, not needing the support line of Luke Murphy in the two v one.
Georgia scored late on through Shota Kheladze to give them two bonus points, but the boys in green were never tested in the closing stages.
Ireland are back in action on Friday night as they face Italy in Viadana, hoping to go one better than the Six Nations clash between the two sides back in March.
Ireland u-20 scorers: Tries: Paidi Farrell (2), Henry Walker, Mahon Ronan, Charlie Molony
Cons: Tom Wood (2)
Pens: Tom Wood (2)
Georgia u-20 scorers: Tries: Giorgi Spanderashvili (2), Gagui Margvelashvili, Shota Kheladze
Cons: Luka Takaishvili (4)
Ireland u-20: Charlie Molony, Paidi Farrell, Ciarán Mangan, Eoghan Smyth, Derry Moloney, Tom Wood, Clark Logan; Billy Bohan, Henry Walker, Alex Mullan, Mahon Ronan, Billy Corrigan, Michael Foy, Éanna McCarthy (capt), Luke Murphy
Replacements: Tom McAllister (for McCarthy, 34-44) (for Mullan, 49), Mikey Yarr (for Walker, 45-48 & 59), Alex Usanov (for Bohan, 45), Bobby Power (for McCarthy, 55), Conor Kennelly (for Corrigan, 55), Will Wooton (for Logan, 56'), Daniel Green (for Paidi Farrell, 63), Sam Wisniewski (for Smyth, 65).
Georgia u-20: Luka Takaishvili, Luka Keshelava, Data Akhvlediani, Nugzari Kevkhishvili, Tarieli Burtikashvili, Gigi Sirbiladze, Giorgi Spanderashvili; Bachuki Baratashvili, Mikheil Khakhubia, Mate Gurtskaia, Temur Tsulukidze, Gagui Margvelashvili, Luka Narsia, Andro Dvali, Mikheili Shioshvili.
Replacements: Archil Nozadze (for Narsia, 34-44) (for Baratashvili, 56), Davit Baramia (for Tsulukidze, 46), Shota Kheladze (for Khakhubia, 51), Giorgi Meskhidze (for Gurtskaia, 51), Nikolozi Chkhortolia (for Margvelashvili, 56), Nika Abesadze (for Narsia, 62), Temuri Dzodzuashvili (for Spanderashvili, 64), Sandro Meskhidze (for Akhvlediani, 68).
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