Former SA U18 loose forward Josh Neill delivered another Man of the Match performance to inspire Ireland U20 to a statement comeback victory over England at The Rec in the U20 Six Nations.
Neill represented Rondebosch Boys’ High, Western Province U18 and SA U18 last year before joining Leinster’s academy. He has an Irish passport through his grandparents.
Andrew Browne’s side trailed 14-7 at the break in Bath, but it was Neill who flipped the script in the second half as they secured an impressive 31-21 win.
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The powerful flank ignited Ireland’s resurgence in the 51st minute, bursting through the England defence, scattering would-be tacklers before crashing over for a crucial try. The conversion levelled matters and shifted the momentum decisively in Ireland’s favour.
From there, the visitors surged.
England had edged the first half through tries from George Pearson and Connor Treacey after Ireland had struck early, but they had no answer once Neill and his teammates raised the intensity.
Ireland added further scores in the final quarter to seal a deserved 31-21 win, managing the closing stages smartly and denying England any late consolation after a potential try was ruled out for a forward pass.
Photo: @leinsterrugby/X