Ireland U20s miss out on title despite win over Scotland

Ireland U20 36-0 Scotland U20

Ireland signed off their U20 Six Nations campaign with a 36-0 win against Scotland at Virgin Media Park in Cork, but it wasn't enough for them to seal a third title in a row, with England's win over France seeing them crowned champions.

Richie Murphy's side looked destined for the three-in-a-row when the final whistle blew in Cork, with their five-try win over the Scots sending them ahead of England temporarily.

At that point, England trailed France 21-12 at half time in Pau, but an incredible second half comeback saw Mark Mapletoft's side come from behind to defeat France 45-31 and claim the title.

While both Ireland and England finished the tournament unbeaten with four wins and a draw each, England's five bonus-points to Ireland's four proved the difference over the course of the championship.

Coming into the final round of games, Ireland's fate wasn't in their own hands, but the defending champions knew a win would see them put pressure on the leaders who were kicking off an hour later against France in Pau.

Ireland looked edgy in the first half in Cork, and let a number of early chances slip against the Scots, who arrived off the back of a heavy defeat to Italy in Round 4, and destined for the wooden spoon.

The visitors refused to roll over though, and were the more physical side for large parts of the first half, with replacement prop Robbie Deans giving them an edge at the scrum, winning three penalties in quick succession.

On 21 minutes Ireland finally got over for the opening try, with Hugo McLaughlin finishing off a brilliant counter-attack off turnover ball.

Jack Murphy's garryowen wasn't dealt with by Scottish full-back Jack Brown, and it allowed Sean Edogbo reclaim possession, before