Richie Murphy marvels at the pace of his side's development as they lie on the cusp of a brilliant Grand Slam achievement.
Murphy, the former Leinster and Ireland seniors skills and kicking coach, took charge of the Ireland under-20s just over a year ago.
His side played Italy in a challenge game at the UCD Bowl seven days before Christmas and lost a hard-fought encounter 15-8.
Just three months on, victory over Scotland at Musgrave Park tomorrow (5pm) will make his team only Ireland's third ever Grand Slam winning team at this age grade, and the first to achieve it by beating France and England away from home.
“It's amazing, really, how far they have come in this window," said Murphy.
"Before Christmas we played Italy and it was one of those days where Covid had played its part the day before.
"But to think it is the same team or the nucleus of the same team playing now that played that day is amazing.
"But also I was reminded the other day of the training session where in a 15-minute period we had 25 handling errors.
“When we came off that pitch I was nearly pulling my hair out.
"In fairness to the guys we stuck on task really well and I know the other coaches are particularly proud of them and we have to acknowledge those other coaches.
"Jimmy Duffy is one of the best forwards coaches I have ever worked with and I have worked with some really good guys. His attention to detail, his ability to get to the group buy in has been excellent.
“Willie (Faloon) has done an incredible job on the defence and then Mark Sexton – obviously I have worked with his brother Johnny) for a very long time.
"He has been incredible for us as well and has really picked up little bits and pieces that as a head coach I haven’t been able to look at as much.
"The boys have really bought into that.”
The toughest moment of this championship campaign came in round two against France, when Ireland needed a converted try in the dying minutes to win.
This week and throughout the championship, Murphy has leaned on his experience at senior level, when he was co-opted into the Ireland set-up by Joe Schmidt, and his work with Andy Farrell.
“I definitely think over the past couple of months that all my experiences from being involved in the senior team have helped," said the Dubliner.
"I've been lucky to have been in some really good coaching groups and worked with some really good teams.
"Like, the senior team won two Six Nations and a Grand Slam - when I was in Leinster, I was involved in three Heineken Cups and two PRO12s.
"And all those experiences have had an influence on me and have shaped me in relation to how we have shaped the theme of the week for these boys.”
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