Ireland U20 side thumped by New Zealand in last pool game.

Ireland have lost 69-3 in their last pool game in the U20 Rugby World Cup.

Ireland started brightly with Conor Fitzgerald kicking an early penalty to put Peter Malone’s side 3-0 up inside the opening minutes. That was as good as it would get for Ireland as New Zealand then took complete control.

The Baby Blacks ran in four first half tries with a brace each for Caleb Clarke and Will Jordan. A 31-3 lead meant the game was over as a contest heading in to the break.

New Zealand were now operating at a different level to Ireland as the tries kept coming. Six second half tries from Christie, Enari, another for Clark, McKay, Falcon and another from Jordan finished off a ten try rout.

It has been a torrid tournament for the Irish side losing all three games. They did play well in patches against both Italy and Scotland and were on the wrong side of two close games.

However in today’s game, there can be no argument, Ireland were simply outclassed by a superb All-Black side.

Head Peter Malone gave his post match reaction to Irish Rugby after the game.

You can see one of New Zealand’s superb tries in the video below.

Credit: World Rugby