Ireland's players were handed a jersey as a mark of respect by Fiji's captain, Moti Murray, before their U20 World Championship clash today. The backdrop of the game has been marred because of three instances of a tragic loss of life this week.
Last weekend, 18-year-old St. Michael's College students Andrew O'Donnell and Max Wall died on the Greek island of Ios. Six members of the U20s squad are from the same Dublin college as the teenagers.
Days later, former Scotland international Greig Oliver, the father of Ireland scrum-half Jack, died after a paragliding accident in Cape Town while out in South Africa to support his son in the tournament.
There had been talk of the game not going ahead on Tuesday, but Ireland's young contingent went ahead with the Pool B encounter.
A minute's silence was held by both Fiji and Ireland before kick-off, with Ireland's players visibly emotional. Black armbands were also worn by Ireland's players.
A lovely moment soon followed when Ireland's skipper, Diarmuid Mangan, received a jersey as a mark of respect from Fiji captain Murray in the center circle before the game began.
Lovely moment ahead of kick-off as Fiji captain Moti Murray presents a jersey to Ireland captain Diarmuid Mangan as a mark of respect.#WorldRugbyU20s pic.twitter.com/iPgQg3MnQ1
— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) July 4, 2023
Despite the difficult circumstances, Ireland managed to beat Fiji 47-27 in Stellenbosch. Ireland opened the scoring with tries from Brian Gleeson and Danny Sheahan. Fiji responded with a try from Moses McGoon. Ireland then extended their lead with a try by George Hadden.
Gleeson scored his second try before Fiji answered back with tries from Isiah Ravula and Moti Murray. Fiji continued to challenge with a try from Pateresio Finau. Ireland secured the victory with tries from Gus McCarthy (twice) and Andrew Osborne. Fiji had the final say with a try by Manieta Navonovono.
Ireland U20: Henry McErlean; James Nicholson, Sam Berman, John Devine, Andrew Osborne; Matthew Lynch, Oscar Cawley; George Hadden, Danny Sheahan, Fiachna Barrett; Evan O'Connell, Joe Hopes; Diarmuid Mangan (capt), Dan Barron, Brian Gleeson.
Replacements: Max Clein, George Morris, Ronan Foxe, Charlie Irvine, Gus McCarthy, Sam Prendergast, Hugh Gavin.
Fiji U20: Peni Waqalala; Sireli Masiwini, Waqa Nalaga, Pateresio Finau, Manieta Navonovono; Isaiah Ravula, Philip Baselala; Moses McGoon, Joeli Nainoca, Breyton Legge; Mesake Vocevoce, Nalani May; Timoci Nakalevu, Moti Murray (capt), Juda Saumaisue.
Replacements: Josh Kina, Marika Toga, Lasaro Vuluma, Semi Tokitani, Sakenasa Nalasi, Zach Kama, Frank Ralogaivau, Netava Saukuru.
