Two Changes For Ireland Under-19s

The Ireland Under-19s have made two changes ahead of tomorrow’s final Division A meeting with their Australian counterparts at the IRB World Cup in South Africa.

IRB Under-19 World Cup: Saturday, April 9
Australia U-19 v Ireland U-19, ABSA Stadium, Durban, 1.45pm

Thomond’s Frank Daly comes into the side on the right wing in place of Eric Moloney – a try-scorer against Georgia U-19 – who reverts to the replacements. Up front, Kevin Griffin of Shannon takes over at tight head prop from Brendan Lynch, having replaced the Rotherham Titan at the last minute against South Africa U-19.

Pat Murray’s Irish side are currently seventh in the Division A standings – with four points. They still have an outside chance of making the semi-finals, but with sixth-placed Wales sure to defeat Japan, it looks unlikely.

Ranked seventh, the Irish could draw level on nine points with tomorrow’s opponents by virtue of a bonus point win.

Revenge against the Australians will be on the minds of seven of Murray’s squad who lined out in last year’s Schools clash between the sides in Canberra.

Barney McGonigle’s Ireland Schools lost their six-game unbeaten tour record in a 23-12 loss to the Aussies last August. Now Ireland Under-19 captain Robert Kearney converted a Darren Cave try back then, just as he did last Tuesday against South Africa U-19.

Australia U-19: Tajhon Malaita; Sean Hennessy, Adam Watson, Anthony Faingaa, Liam Bibo; Scott Daruda (Capt), Dominic Fuller; Pekahou Cowan, Saia Faingaa, John Ulugia, Richard Stanford, David Dennis, Pauliasi Taumoepeau, Ryan Newman, Leroy Houston.

Replacements: Geoff Abram, Jeremy Tilse, Jack Kennedy, Ed Gower, Tom Hockings, Patrick Pearce, Mathew Brandon, Steve Hillman, Jono Jenkins, Ben Bates.

IRELAND U-19:

(15) Robert Kearney (UCD) (Capt)
(14) Frank Daly (Thomond)
(13) Fergus McFadden (Clongowes)
(12) Darren Cave (Sullivan Upper School)
(11) Dale Black (Portadown)
(10) Evan Ryan (UCC)
(9) Matthew D’Arcy (Dublin University)
(1) Callum Black (Hartpury)
(2) Gavin O’Meara (Lansdowne)
(3) Kevin Griffin (Shannon)
(4) David McGowan (Buccanneers)
(5) Fergal Walsh (UCC)
(6) Diarmuid Laffan (Dublin University)
(7) Barry O’Mahony (Crescent College Comprehensive)
(8) Darren O’Reilly (Blackrock College)

Replacements:

(16) Conor Muldoon (Galwegians)

(17) Gary Walsh (UL Bohemians)
(18) Brendan Lynch (Rotherham Titans)
(19) Adrian Saunderson (Ballyclare)
(20) Greg Cooney (Old Belvedere)
(21) Killian Lett (UCD)
(22) Robert Boles (Colstons Collegiate School)‬
(23) Eric Moloney (UCC)
(24) Kieran Moloney (Blackrock College RFC)
(25) Devon Toner (Lansdowne)
(26) Daniel Dawson (Cooke)

Coach: Pat Murray
Assistant Coach: Bryan Hyland
Manager: Michael Cunningham

Referee: Romain Poite (France)

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Ireland U-19 Results/fixtures:

Friday, April 1: Ireland U-19 16 Georgia U-19 0, Kings Park (3)

Tuesday, April 5: South Africa U-19 32 Ireland U-19 7, Woodburn Oval

Saturday, April 9: Ireland U-19 v Australia U-19, ABSA Stadium, 1.45pm