Sam Berman hat-trick leads Ireland Under-20s to convincing victory over Italy in opener

Ireland's Sam Berman scores a try during the World Rugby Under-20 Championship Pool B game against Italy at DHL Stadium in Cape Town. Photograph: Darren Stewart/Inpho/SteveHaagSportsIreland captain Evan O’Connell said they still have room for improvement when they face Georgia next Thursday despite hammering Italy by eight tries to two in the opening game of the World Rugby Under-20 Championship in Cape Town on Saturday.

“We are pretty happy with our display but obviously some improvements again needed for next week,” said O’Connell after the win at the DHL Stadium.Experienced Ireland under-20s eye victory over Italian counterpartsIreland had the bonus point in the bag by the 27th minute and added a fifth try before the break to go in leading 31-10 after a lively opening half.

Several new laws are being tested in this tournament – 30 seconds for conversions and penalties puts serious pressure on the kickers – and after 22 minutes Italy lock Mattia Midena was withdrawn after the smart mouthguards being used by all the players prompted his temporary withdrawal. Ireland captain Evan O’Connell scores a try during the World Rugby Under-20 Championship Pool B game against Italy at DHL Stadium in Cape Town. Photograph: Darren Stewart/Inpho/SteveHaagSports

O’Connell pounced after Ireland had been bundled into touch from their penalty inside the 22, and when Italy made a mess of their lineout, the captain picked and drove over. He secured the bonus point after 27 minutes following another lineout take from Edogbo and pushed Ireland further clear when he looped around and squeezed between two defenders to score and leave 21 points between them at the interval.

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