RUGBY
Prendergast makes U20 debut on good weekend for Irish teams
By Daire Walsh
FORMER Newbridge College student Cian Prendergast took a giant leap forward in his burgeoning rugby career at Musgrave Park last Friday evening.
With 67 minutes gone on the clock against Wales in the Leeside venue, he appeared off the bench for his Ireland U20s debut. It was a night to remember for Prendergast as he helped to ensure the quest for back-to-back Six Nations titles continues into week three for Noel McNamara’s charges.
Having missed out on selection for the opening round success over Scotland in the same venue, the versatile forward was named amongst the replacements for the visit of the Welsh. Pendergast is following in the footsteps of fellow Kildare man Martin Moloney, who played a starring role in last year’s magnificent Grand Slam success.
In the closing 13 minutes of the action, he deputised for Leinster team-mate Mark Hernan at openside flanker. By then, Ireland had already wrapped up a bonus point courtesy of opening period tries from Hernan (two), Dan Kelly and Lewis Finlay.
While Wales battled back on the resumption, Ireland’s eventual 36-22 triumph has them in a perfect position ahead of the impending visit to England.
This game was a precursor to the senior men’s showdown between the same two teams at the Aviva Stadium the following day, which saw Ireland finally hit the ground running under Andy Farrell. Whereas the performance seven days earlier against Scotland was somewhat passive, they hit their stride in fine style on this occasion.
For the second week running, Munster No 8 CJ Stander delivered a man of the match performance – more than repaying the faith that Farrell has placed in him. Yet, there was several outstanding candidates for this individual award as Ireland inflicted a maiden defeat upon Wales’ new head coach Wayne Pivac.
Jordan Larmour got the ball rolling for the hosts with an 18th-minute try. Although Wales edged in front with a converted Tomos Williams effort, Tadhg Furlong subsequently powered over the line to propel Ireland towards a 12-7 interval cushion.
They had more than enough reason to be wary of a Wales backlash, but this was effectively put to rest by Josh van der Flier’s touchdown on 46 minutes. Andrew Conway got the try his display deserved with six minutes remaining on the clock, before Justin Tipuric crossed over for a consolation try.
A 24-12 bonus win has set Farrell’s charges up nicely for the remainder of the tournament, even if France are marginally in front of them on score difference.
Meanwhile, the Ireland women’s team took another important step forward with a resounding 31-12 victory against Wales at Energia Park (Donnybrook) on Sunday. Amidst some testing conditions – wind and rain – Beibhinn Parsons, Cliodhna Moloney and Lauren Delany crossed the whitewash to establish a 17-0 lead for the home team on 34 minutes.
Lauren Smyth and Siwan Lillicrap dotted down either side of Linda Djougang’s powerful finish, but a last-minute penalty try put the seal on a deserved triumph for Adam Griggs’ charges.
This week in schools rugby Newbridge College will bid to reach the Leinster Senior Cup quarter-final when they play Kilkenny College on Wednesday 12 February at 3pm.
This school’s Junior Cup team also made a winning start to their campaign as they beat St Gerard’s 15-12 and they will play St Michael’s in their next game.