Brian Gleeson plays his part as Ireland draw with England at the U-20 World Cup

What an opener to the World Cup where Ireland’s Under-20s are confident of success but there are many pitfalls in a tough group. Taking on England in Paarl, is always going to be a tough task but in the conditions near Cape Town only the strongest survive.

Both sides are still standing after the opener.  In the end Ireland did well to draw as Hugh Cooney was sent off for a high challenge which left him needing a HIA but the dram means all the drama rolls onto the next game now. 

There was local interest in this international affair as Brian Gleeson got on the field in the 58th minute and the Loughmore man played his part for Ireland in a rip roaring encounter. 

From the off England started well going 3-0 up before Sam Prendergast got over the line for Ireland. A second try by George Haddon put Ireland into the driving seat and they went in at the whistle 15-10 clear after James McNabney got a try just on half time. 

England then got a penalty try early in the second half and they pushed on into a 24-15 lead. From there Ruadhan Quinn touched down before Sam Prendergast missed the conversion for Ireland who had stormed back to leave it 24-20. 

Tipperary star Brian Gleeson was on the field two minutes when Henry McErlean made the vital play to put Ireland 27-24 clear. On 64 minutes Hugh Cooney touched down and after the conversion Ireland edged into a 34-24 lead. 

As the clocked tricked down England responded and Jacob Cusick got a try to leave it 34 - 34. 

Late on Ireland drove on but England’s Connor Slevin - who hit five kicks from five - helped them rescue a draw. 

So the game against Australia on Thursday takes on huge importance for Ireland who really shone in the second half. All to play for now. 

Ireland: H McErlean; A Osborne (J Nicholson 75), H Cooney (rc 77), J Devine, H Gavin; S Prendergast, F Gunne; G Hadden (G Morris ht), G McCarthy (capt), P McCarthy, E O’Connell (C Irvine 57), C O’Tighearnaigh, D Mangan, R Quinn (B Gleeson 58) , J McNabney

England: S Harris (L Johnson 67), T Elliott, R Ma’asi-White, J Woodward, J Jenkins (J Cusick 49), C Slevin, C Bracken (N Thomas 73); A Opoku-Fordjour (A McArthur 69), F Theobald-Thomas (N Jibulu 47), A Fasogban (J Halliwell 69), H Cuckson (N Michelow 61), L Chessum, F Carnduff, G Fisilau, C Cunningham-South (T Woodman 73).

Referee: L Ramos (France)