Ireland U20 17

Scotland U20 9

STEPHEN FITZGERALD SCORED a brace of tries as Ireland U20s ended their World Championship campaign on a high with victory over Scotland in the seventh-placed play-off.

After suffering a comprehensive defeat to Wales earlier in the week, Nigel Carolan’s side bounced back to defeat a Scottish side they had already got the better of in the group stages.

In a tight encounter in Viadana, Ireland took the game by the scruff of the neck with Fitzgerald’s two scores proving the difference between two sides visibly fatigued following an intense fortnight.

Ireland edged ahead when the Scottish defence failed to deal with Joey Carbery’s up-and-under and Fitzgerald was on hand to profit and cross the line.

The Scots stayed in touch with two first-half penalties before the Wolfpuppies pulled away with a second try from winger Fitzgerald.

In the final, New Zealand defeated defending champions England 21-16 in Cremona.

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