Ireland got off to a winning start at the Junior World Championship – beating Argentina by 18 points to 16 in their first match of the tournament. Five Ulster started the game – Sam Arnold, Jacob Stockdale, Alex Thompson, Lorcan Dow and Zack McCall. We caught up with ex Methodist College second row and Hughes Insurance Ulster Academy player, Alex Thompson, on the game against Argentina, on playing for Ireland on the world stage and his aims for the tournament:

Ireland got off to a winning start at the Junior World Championship – beating Argentina by 18 points to 16 in their first match of the tournament. Five Ulster players started the game – Sam Arnold, Jacob Stockdale, Alex Thompson, Lorcan Dow and Zack McCall. We caught up with ex Methodist College second row and Hughes Insurance Ulster Academy player, Alex Thompson, on the game against Argentina, on playing for Ireland on the world stage and his aims for the tournament:

“To get off to a victory means that we already have a winning mentality and we have that bit of momentum going into the rest of the matches,” says Alex. “We had a bit of a disappointing 6 Nations, so for that to happen to last night (Tuesday) gives us the confidence to know that we have quality in the starting XV and also on the bench to see out a game like that. To get a win is crucial if we are to stand a chance of winning this world cup.”

Alex believes that the team have a belief that they can have a successful tournament:

“Right through the 23 everyone has a confidence in the team and everyone has a real desire and want to go all the way,” he says. “We are not happy to just be third or fourth, we want to go the distance and win the trophy.

“Everyone is buying into it. It comes down to units, so there is a need for everyone to know their role and then everything else falls into place. We know what we have to work on. Having reviewed the game, it really is very small margins at this level and small mistakes that could have opened up that match (the Argentina game) for us. The opportunities were there but we just need to take them and make that last pass, or make that last push,” adds the 19 year old.

So how will Ireland approach their remaining pool matches, against Scotland and the All Blacks?

“You take it match by match,” Alex says. “Argentina were very physical and they had a great offloading game. We just have to take it a step at a time. It’s bigger again than the 6 Nations but you are still focused and you have to give your all in every game.

“To think back three years ago when I was considering leaving my old school – Banbridge Academy and going down the rugby path. Then I thought that winning the schools’ cup was the be all and end all, but to be in this position is just incredible. When I look back at where I have come from, it just drives me on and makes me count my blessings and to work as hard as I can to get the best out of this tournament.”

Alex Thompson - A Young Ulsterman Making His Mark On The World Stage

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