Ireland have named a strong and nearly unchanged XV for their World Rugby U20 Championship opener against England on Saturday at the Paarl Gymnasium in South Africa [kick-off: 12.30pm, live on Virgin Media].
Ireland's last game came against the same opposition, when they secured the U20s Six Nations Grand Slam, by defeating England 36-24 in Musgrave Park on March 18.
Brian Gleeson Drops To The Bench
The most notable absentee from Ireland's starting line-up is number eight Brian Gleeson, who was one of Ireland's players of the Six Nations, and also chipped in with two tries against the English and was awarded the Player of the Match.
He is replaced by second-row Evan O'Connell, with Diarmuid Mangan moving to blindside flanker and James McNabney taking over at the back of the scrum.
Ireland are back in the lead thanks to a devastating maul 💪
Brian Gleeson is the man to touch down and Prendergast adds the extras from a tough angle.
Ireland U20s lead 12-7 after 32 minutes.@PwCIreland #PwCIreland #FutureIsGreenpic.twitter.com/e6CEP4stE3— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) March 19, 2023
England's stand out performer in their last match-up was second-row and captain Lewis Chessum, who many will remember for instigating a mini schemozzle after the final whistle.
While the Leicester man does have a penchant for niggle - not unlike a certain Maro Itoje - his line-out work on the day was imperious, taking five of his throws and losing none, while stealing two of Ireland's.
With this in mind, it would seem that head coach Richie Murphy is looking to counter England's line-out with the added height and skills of the 6ft 7in O'Connell.
A man of Gleeson's size and ball carrying ability off the bench, will also add another dimension to Ireland's all ready rounded game.
READ HERE: The Stats Behind The Ireland U20s Quest For Grand Slam Glory
The other change in the backline sees Andrew Osborne, brother of Jamie, come in for James Nicholson on the right wing, with Nicholson moving to the bench.
Of the replacements, Max Clein comes is as the sub hooker, with Charlie Irvine and Matty Lynch also coming into the 23.
England have made four changes to their starting XV from that day in Musgrave, but it has not done much to upset the odds, with Ireland comfortable favourites once again.
Ireland U20s Name Strong Team For World Championship Opener
19 March 2023; Ireland players celebrate after the U20 Six Nations Rugby Championship match between Ireland and England at Musgrave Park in Cork. Photo by David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile
READ HERE: The Ireland U20s Giant Who Traded A Hurley And Tipp Colours For An Oval Ball And A Green Jersey
Ireland U20s:
15. Henry McErlean (Terenure/Leinster)
14. Andrew Osborne (Naas/Leinster)
13. Hugh Cooney (Clontarf/Leinster)
12. John Devine (Corinthians/Connacht)
11. Hugh Gavin (Galwegians/Connacht)
10. Sam Prendergast (Lansdowne/Leinster)
9. Fintan Gunne (Terenure/Leinster)
1. George Hadden (Clontarf/Leinster)
2. Gus McCarthy (UCD/Leinster)(captain)
3. Paddy McCarthy (Dublin University/Leinster)
4. Evan O’Connell (UL Bohemians/Munster)
5. Conor O’Tighearnaigh (UCD/Leinster)
6. Diarmuid Mangan (UCD/Leinster)
7. Ruadhan Quinn (Old Crescent/Munster)
8. James McNabney (Ballymena/Ulster)
Replacements:
16. Max Clein (Garryowen/Munster)*
17. George Morris (Lansdowne/Leinster)
18. Fiachna Barrett (Corinthians/Connacht)
19. Charlie Irvine (Queen’s University/Ulster)
20. Brian Gleeson (Garryowen/Munster)
21. Oscar Cawley (Naas/Leinster)
22. Matty Lynch (Dublin University/Leinster)
23. James Nicholson (UCD/Leinster).
*Denotes uncapped at U20s level.
England U20s:
15. Sam Harris (Bath Rugby)
14. Tobias Elliott (Harlequins)
13. Rekeiti Ma'asi-White (Sale Sharks)
12. Joseph Woodward (Leicester Tigers)
11. Joe Jenkins (Bristol Bears)
10. Connor Slevin* (Harlequins)
9. Charlie Bracken (Saracens)
1. Asher Opoku-Fordjour (Sale Sharks)
2. Finn Theobald-Thomas (Gloucester)
4. Harvey Cuckson* (Bath Rugby)
5. Lewis Chessum (Captain, Leicester Tigers)
6. Finn Carnduff (Leicester Tigers)
7. Greg Fisilau (Exeter Chiefs)
8. Chandler Cunningham-South (Harlequins)
Replacements:
16. Nathan Jibulu (Harlequins)
17. Archie McArthur (Gloucester)
18. James Halliwell* (Bristol Bears)
19. Nathan Michelow* (Saracens)
20. Tristan Woodman (Sale Sharks)
21. Nye Thomas (Sale Sharks)
22. Louie Johnson (Newcastle Falcons)
23. Jacob Cusick (Leicester Tigers)
*Denotes England U20 debut
SEE ALSO: Balls.ie's Greatest Ireland U20s XV Of All-Time
