Max Flynn and Ruben Moloney will make their debuts for the Ireland Under-20 Men (sponsored by PwC), as part of the team to play Georgia in Thursday's World Rugby U-20 Championship Pool B match in Stellenbosch (kick-off 1pm Irish time - live on RugbyPass TV).
Hooker Mikey Yarr, who captained the Ireland U-19s this year, is also set to win his first U-20 cap off the bench. Willie Faloon's side are sitting top of Pool B following an impressive 55-15 first round win over Italy last Saturday.
UCD winger Moloney slots into the back-three alongside Ben O'Connor and Davy Colbert, a debutant last weekend. Sam Berman, the three-try player-of-the-match against Italy, is partnered at centre this time by Connacht's Hugh Gavin.
Gavin's provincial colleague, Sean Naughton, steps up for his first start after a 14-point contribution during the second half of the tournament opener. He joins Oliver Coffey in a new-look half-back partnership.
Leinster front rowers Stephen Smyth and Andrew Sparrow come in for their second starts at this level. There is a first start for versatile Ulster forward James McKillop at lock, and captain Evan O'Connell and Jacob Boyd complete the tight five.
Galway Corinthians clubman Flynn, who was a late withdrawal before the first game, is fit to start at openside flanker. Luke Murphy, one of the try scorers the last day, and Sean Edogbo are retained in the starting back row.
Along with Yarr, Brian Gleeson, one of the Ireland U-20s' best performers in 2023, is another notable inclusion among the replacements. The Munster talent is set to make his first U-20 appearance since the first round of this year's U-20 Six Nations.
Emmet Calvey, Patreece Bell, and Alan Spicer are the other replacement forwards, while Naas scrum half Tadhg Brophy is poised for his tournament bow, with former Pres Bray pair Jack Murphy and Finn Treacy completing the matchday 23.
Seven Changes Made To Ireland U-20 Men's Team For Georgia Game
Home Top News
2nd July 2024