The Ireland U20s take on Italy U20s in their Six Nations clash this Friday at Virgin Media Park in Cork (kick-off: 7.15pm).
Three changes have been made to Richie Murphy's side who last week defeated France U20s 31-37, in Aix-en-Provence. Meanwhile, Italy are coming off the back of an 11-36 loss to England U20s.
Ireland's backline remains unchanged, with game breakers Hugh Gavin, Ben O'Connor, and Hugo McLaughlin poised to unleash, while the laser boot of Jack Murphy will be put to the test once more.
In the pack, Leinster's Stephen Smyth comes in at hooker for Danny Sheahan, Ulster's Jacob Boyd starts at tight head instead of Andrew Sparrow, and Munster's Luke Murphy comes in for Brian Gleeson at number eight.
There are a couple of exciting selections on the bench as well, with the monstrous Sean Edogbo ready to be sprung into the back row.
Sale Sharks prop Patreece Bell, who has come to through the IQ system, provides cover at tight head.
READ HERE: Ireland U20s 2019 Grand Slam Winners: Where Are They Now
READ HERE: Balls.ie's Greatest Ireland U20s XV Of All-Time
3 February 2024; Ireland players celebrate as teammate Danny Sheahan scores their side's first try during the U20 Six Nations Rugby Championship match between France and Ireland at Stade Maurice David in Aix-en-Provence, France. Photo by Johnny Fidelin/Sportsfile
Ireland U20s 23 To Face Italy:
15. Ben O’Connor (UCC RFC/Munster)
14. Finn Treacy (Galwegians RFC/Connacht)
13. Wilhelm de Klerk (UCD RFC/Leinster)
12. Hugh Gavin (Galwegians RFC/Connacht)
11. Hugo McLaughlin (Lansdowne FC/Leinster)
10. Jack Murphy (Clontarf FC/Leinster)
9. Oliver Coffey (Blackrock College RFC/Leinster)
1. Alex Usanov (Clontarf FC/Leinster)
2. Stephen Smyth (Old Wesley RFC/Leinster)
3. Jacob Boyd (Queen’s University Belfast RFC/Ulster)
4. Alan Spicer (UCD RFC/Leinster)
5. Evan O’Connell (UL Bohemian RFC/Munster)(captain)
6. Joe Hopes (Queen’s University Belfast RFC/Ulster)
7. Bryn Ward (Ballynahinch RFC/Ulster)
8. Luke Murphy (Shannon RFC/Munster)
Replacements:
16. Danny Sheahan (Cork Constitution FC/Munster)
17. Ben Howard (Terenure College RFC/Leinster)
18. Patreece Bell (Sale Sharks/IQ Rugby)
19. Billy Corrigan (Old Wesley RFC/Leinster)
20. Sean Edogbo (UCC RFC/Munster)
21. Tadhg Brophy (Naas RFC/Leinster)
22. Sean Naughton (Galway Corinthians RFC/Connacht)
23. Ethan Graham (Ballynahinch RFC/Ulster).
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