Dragons' duo Huw Anderson and Ioan Duggan both scored but Wales U18s are still searching for their first scalp in the Men’s Six Nations Festival after a 46-26 defeat to Ireland in Marcoussis.
Ireland made a fast start against Wales as flanker Stephen Smyth burrowed over from close range barely two minutes in. Fly-half Sean Naughton kicked the extras before slotting a penalty to take Ireland into double figures.
However, Wales hit back in the 13th minute when the ball went nicely through the hands on the right, allowing full-back Anderson to dive over.
Ireland responded shortly after when hooker Danny Sheahan found himself at the back of an unstoppable rolling maul.
The topsy-turvy first half continued with Wales scoring an exact replica of Ireland’s try, No.2 Isaac Young benefitting from his side’s drive over the line.
Wales were reduced to 14 when No.8 Morgan Morse was sin-binned for a late tackle on Naughton before the stand-off nudged the resulting penalty through the uprights.
With the clock in the red, Wales hit back despite being down a man as second row Jonny Green’s powerful leg drive saw him go over. Fly-half Sam Berry’s conversion moved the gap to just one point as Wales went in 20-19 down at half-time.
Ireland were soon up and running in the second half as replacement Jack Murphy raced under the sticks for an interception score.
Further tries followed as outside centre Sam Berman crashed over from a metre out before winger Hugo McLaughlin became the second man to benefit from an intercept as he sprinted home from well inside his own half.
Wales retaliated with a lovely try for Duggan as they kept the ball alive before sending it through the hands to reduce the gap to 41-26. I
reland had the last say, however, after a lovely cut-out ball from Murphy put centre Luke Kritzinger in at the corner to make the final score 46-26.
Wales will complete their campaign on Sunday against hosts France.
