Casey's double sees off Italy to keep Ireland under-20s on top

by Charlie Talbot-Smith

Craig Casey crossed for a double as Ireland Under-20s made it three wins from three in this year's Championship to stay top of the standings. 

Scrum-half Casey, recalled to the starting XV after injury kept him out in round two against Scotland, crossed for a try in each half in Rieti.

The boot of Harry Byrne kept the Irish scoreboard ticking and while Scott Penny also went over in the first half, it was skipper David Hawkshaw who crossed late on to secure the bonus-point. 

The one disappointment for Noel McNamara's side was probably the injury to Byrne late on while Italy Under-20s did grab late consolations through Matteo Nocera and Marco Butturini. 

FAST START

After last year's dramatic 38-34 win in Ireland, it was the men in green who dominated early on and No.9 Casey eventually got the game's first try with a snipe from close range. 

Byrne added the extras and then a penalty to make it a 10-0 lead as the half hour mark came and went.

The second try for the Irish did not take long to arrive, Penny the scorer at the base of the post from short range. 

Byrne's extras made it 17-0 at the break and on the resumption he added a penalty for a 20-point lead. 

SECOND HALF SALVO

Casey's second on the hour mark put the game beyond doubt before replacement Nocera burst over from close range to get the hosts on the board. 

It was fitting however, that it was Hawkshaw who burst over for the fourth and final score and the bonus point for the visitors. 

This time Ben Healy, on for Byrne who fell awkwardly, added the extras before Butturini grabbed the final score to give the home crowd something to cheer. 

Via: Six Nations