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On a bitterly cold night in Cork, they were desperate to get things back on track on Friday against the Azzurri, and battled their way over the line to claim a bonus point win under the lights.<\/p>\n
Tries from Christopher Barrett, Daniel Ryan, Derry Moloney, and Josh Neill were followed by two conversions and two penalties from Tom Wood did the job, in a game that swayed back-and-forth.<\/p>\n
Italy led twice, including at half time, and more than played their part in a brilliant contest.<\/p>\n
After the game, Ireland head coach Andrew Browne gave an admirably honest interview in which he admitted he was not sure his side had deserved to win.<\/p>\n
READ HERE: Who’s In And Who’s Out As Andy Farrell Names Ireland Team To Take On Italy<\/a><\/p>\n READ HERE: Declan Hannon Stresses Importance Of Caroline Currid’s Return To Limerick Camp<\/a><\/p>\n Andrew Browne makes plea to players after win v Italy Ireland U20s head coach Andrew Browne was happy as he spoke to RT\u00c9 after his side’s win over Italy on Friday night, but admitted that he had felt nervy as the game went on.<\/p>\n “I dunno if we deserved it, to be honest!” Browne said pitchside after his first win as Ireland U20s head coach.<\/p>\n I thought Italy were really good tonight, and I thought we were well below the expectations we set for ourselves.<\/p>\n I’m delighted with the win, and I said that to the lads. There’s loads of growth, and I said we’d review it honestly, we would as coaches, but also the players – make sure they review it honestly as well.<\/p>\n But a win is a win, it’s my first time winning here. Last year, didn’t get wins. South Africa, didn’t get a win. If you take that into account, if you take the big picture and stuff and you can create a little bit of momentum with a win, I’m happy in that regard. But loads to work on.<\/p>\n It was an honest reflection from Browne, who will be relieved his side now have five points on the board in the Six Nations.<\/p>\n Browne would go on to say he was immensely proud of his young troops for the resolve they showed in fighting back from behind at half-time.<\/p>\n It’s the strength of this group. I really do believe that.<\/p>\n They could make it easier on me, I’ll say that!<\/p>\n But, like you said, the momentum was shifting throughout the match; we’d be up and then they’d come back.<\/p>\n It is credit to them to grind it out in the end. For us to get a little better in some of our accuracy stuff in the second half, particularly around set piece, I thought was really encouraging. Stuff we can bring into next week.<\/p>\n But, as I mentioned, loads of stuff to work on.<\/p>\n However, the turnaround is rapid to next week’s daunting clash with England in Bath.<\/p>\n Browne would lay down the gauntlet to his players, saying he knew there was still plenty left in the tank for the remaining three games in this year’s championship.<\/p>\n “I’ll be honest, that was our worst performance since I’ve been with the group,” Browne said.<\/p>\n “That’s including Italy four weeks ago, that’s including South Africa in November, that’s including last week; I thought we played much better in parts last week.<\/p>\n “Winning ugly – hopefully it’s the sign of a good team. Hopefully we can build on that, but we have to review it properly.<\/p>\n “Right now, I don’t know how to feel. I’ll lean on the side of [being happy with] the win. It’s great for the players, I’m delighted for them; in front of their families, in front of the fans that came out.<\/p>\n “I’m delighted for myself that I could win in this ground as well being part of the Ireland U20s. I’ll definitely lean on that. But the frustrations aren’t far behind!”<\/p>\n Candid stuff.<\/p>\n The Ireland U20s continue their Six Nations campaign away to England on Friday night, with kick-off in Bath at 7:45pm.<\/p>\n SEE ALSO: Impressive Neill Says Ireland Can Go ‘All The Way’ After Nail-Biting Win<\/a><\/p>\n
\n![\"Ireland](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/ireland-u20s-head-coach-was-admirably-honest-after-nail-biting-win-v-italy.jpg\")
13 February 2026; Ireland head coach Andrew Browne, centre, speaks to his players after their side’s victory in the U20 Six Nations Rugby Championship match between Ireland and Italy at Virgin Media Park in Cork. Photo by Shauna Clinton\/Sportsfile<\/p>\n
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