Ireland Under-21s In South African Showdown

The Ireland Under-21 team and replacements have been confirmed for their final IRB World Cup pool outing against South Africa later today (kick-off 7.00pm, Liceo rugby club, Menoza).

IRB UNDER-21 WORLD CUP: Friday, June 17
Ireland U-21 v South Africa U-21, Liceo RC, Mendoza, 7.00pm Irish time

There are two changes to the team that played and beat Samoa 29-21 on Tuesday. Belfast Harlequins Paul McKenzie returns on the wing after shaking off a knock – unfortunately meaning two-try hero Daniel Riordan drops to the bench, and McKenize’s club mate Mark Kettyle is scratched from the 22.

Garryowen scrum-half Gerry Hurley also makes way for UCD starlet Cillian Willis, despite the former’s combative performance against the Islanders last time out.

Not but a bonus point win will suffice if Mark McDermott’s Irish side are to make the Cup’s semi-final line-up for the second successive year.

IRELAND UNDER-21:

(15) Ross McCarron (UCD)
(14) Paul Hurley (UCC)
(13) Andrew Trimble (Ballymena)
(12) Greg Stafford (Lansdowne)
(11) Paul McKenzie (Belfast Harlequins)
(10) Gareth Steenson (Dungannon) (Capt)
(9) Cillian Willis (UCD)
(1) Gary Maxwell (Dungannon)
(2) Stuart Philpott (Saracens)
(3) John Andress (Belfast Harlequins)
(4) Ross Noonan (UCC)
(5) Ryan Caldwell (Dungannon)
(6) Kevin McLaughlin (UCD)
(7) Chris Henry (Malone)
(8) Stephen Ferris (Dungannon)

Replacements:

(16) Joseph Merrigan (Corinthians)
(17) Ronan Loughney (Galwegians)
(18) Trevor Richardson (Buccaneers)
(19) Anthony Kavanagh (Garryowen)
(20) Gerry Hurley (Garryowen)
(21) Jonathon Sexton (St. Mary’s College)
(22) Daniel Riordan (Corinthians)

Coach: Mark McDermott
Assistant Coach: Niall Malone
Manager: David Haslett

SOUTH AFRICA U-21: Hennie Daniller; Cedric Mkhize, Ronnie Cooke, Earl Rose, Luvo Sogisdashe; Morne Steyn, Ruan Pienaar; Heinke van der Merwe, Chiliboy Ralepelle, Sangoni Moxoli, Nicolai Blignaut, Cliff Milton, Derek Kuun (Capt), Davon Raubenheimer, Pieter Louw.

Replacements: Adriaan Strauss, Harry Vermaas, Gerhard Mostert, Hilton Lobberts, Paul Delport, Thabang Molefe, Mzwandile Stick.

Referee: Wayne Barnes (England)