Under-19s: Irish Ready For Japanese Test

Ireland Under-19s take on IRB World Cup Division A bottom side Japan tomorrow in Durban, for the right to take part in Sunday’s 9th-10th place play-off.

IRB Under-19 World Cup: 9th-12th Play-off: Wednesday, April 13
Ireland U-19 v Japan U-19, Glenwood High School, Durban, 2.30pm

Coach Pat Murray has made four changes to the side who lost 23-0 to Australia, in Ireland’s final group game last Saturday.

In the backs, UCC’s Eric Moloney – a try-scorer against Georgia on the opening day – resumes his role at right wing, replacing Frank Daly of Thomond.

There’s also a switch at fly-half as UCD’s Killian Lett – a second half substitute against the Aussies – takes over from Evan Ryan of UCC.

In the forwards, Lansdowne lock Devon Toner and flanker Adrian Saunderson of Ballyclare step up from the bench.

Former Ireland Schools skipper Diarmuid Laffan of Trinity moves to number 8, and assumes the captaincy role ahead of UCD full-back Robert Kearney.

Meanwhile, Murray has called up Peter Durcan (Roscrea) and St Munchin’s centre Keith Earls – a member of the unbeaten Schools squad this season – to the replacements.

The winners of tomorrow’s tie will meet Scotland or Georgia at the weekend.

IRELAND U-19:

(15) Robert Kearney (UCD)
(14) Eric Moloney (UCC)
(13) Fergus McFadden (Clongowes)
(12) Darren Cave (Sullivan Upper School)
(11) Dale Black (Portadown)
(10) Killian Lett (UCD)
(9) Matthew D’Arcy (Dublin University)
(1) Callum Black (Hartpury)
(2) Gavin O’Meara (Lansdowne)
(3) Kevin Griffin (Shannon)
(4) David McGowan (Buccanneers)
(5) Devon Toner (Lansdowne)
(6) Adrian Saunderson (Ballyclare)
(7) Barry O’Mahony (Crescent College Comprehensive)
(8) Diarmuid Laffan (Dublin University) (Capt)

Replacements:

(16) Conor Muldoon (Galwegians)
(17) Gary Walsh (UL Bohemians)
(18) Brendan Lynch (Rotherham Titans)
(19) Fergal Walsh (UCC)
(20) Greg Cooney (Old Belvedere)
(21) Peter Durcan (Roscrea)
(22) Robert Boles (Colstons Collegiate School)
(23) Keith Earls (St Munchin’s College)
(24) Kieran Moloney (Blackrock College RFC)
(25) Darren O’Reilly (Blackrock College)
(26) Daniel Dawson (Cooke)

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

Japan U-19: Hiroki Miyamoto; Rikiya Asami, Daiji Hachiyaku, Shindo Kamaike, Shinji Nakazono (Capt); Yuki Kawamoto, Ryo Hanasaki; Takahiro Doi, Goki Amano, Tatsuki Hashimoto, Yu Shimizu, Koichi Sugimoto, Taro Kenjo, Yuga Takada, Shota Horie.

Replacements: Hirotaka Hirabara, Junya Yoshida, Kazuhito Sugiyama, Shinya Makabe, Daisuke Motegi, Daisuke Kijima, Naoki Morita, Tsutomu Washiya, Kento Fukutomi, Kazuki Ueda.

Referee: Peter Allen (Scotland)

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Ireland U-19 Group Results:

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: Australia U-19 23 Ireland U-19 0, ABSA Stadium