Sam Berman was the standout player of Ireland’s Under-20 World Cup debut, scoring a hat-trick in their decisive Group B victory over Italy. The Irish team dominated the match early on, scoring five tries in the first half to lead 31-10. Italy briefly took the lead with Lorenzo Elletri’s try converted after Danny Sheehan’s unconverted opener. However, Ireland quickly turned things around with Luke Murphy and Evan O’Connell adding further tries before Sam Berman’s double put them in a comfortable position at half-time.
Despite Italy’s attempts to rally, Berman scored another hat-trick in the 48th minute, with further tries from Finn Treacy and Sean Naughton securing a comprehensive victory for Ireland. The win sets them up for their next match against Georgia, who fell to Australia in their first game. Ireland demonstrated strength and skill throughout the match, showcasing the talent in their young squad.
In terms of player performances, Irish center Sam Berman stood out not just for his hat-trick but for his overall impact on the game. Berman recently signed for the Ulster Academy alongside his team-mate Jack Murphy, showing promising prospects for their rugby futures. The Irish team, led by coach Willie Fallon, showed a cohesive effort and determination that saw them to victory. With this strong start to the Championship, Ireland look set to continue their success as they progress through the tournament.