Ireland has made four changes to their lineup for the World Rugby Under-20 Championship match against Australia, scheduled for this Thursday at 10am.
The starting lineup sees James Nicholson, Ronan Foxe, Charlie Irvine, and Brian Gleeson joining the team after their previous match, which ended in a 34-34 draw against England on Saturday.
Nicholson takes his place on the left wing, joining Henry McErlean and Andrew Osborne in the Ireland back three. The midfield partnership consists of Hugh Gavin and John Devine.
Sam Prendergast and Fintan Gunne retain their positions as the half-back pairing for the crucial Pool B encounter in Paarl.
In the forward pack, Paddy McCarthy moves to the loosehead prop position, with captain Gus McCarthy starting as hooker. Foxe, makes his U20s debut, from the tighthead prop position.
Irvine is introduced to the team, partnering with Conor O'Tighearnaigh in the second row. Meanwhile, James McNabney, Ruadhan Quinn, and Gleeson complete the back row for Ireland.
Speaking ahead of the match, Murphy said: “It has been a quick turnaround from Saturday but we were able to turn the page positively, and learn from our first outing of the tournament. We know the very nature of this World Rugby U20 Championship is that the big games come thick and fast and facing the Junior Wallabies is another huge test for our group. We’re looking forward to the challenge.”
Thursday’s match is live on Virgin Media Two in Republic of Ireland and on World Rugby platforms.
Ireland U20:
Fullback 15. Henry McErlean
Winger 14. Andrew Osborne
Centres 13. Hugh Gavin, 12. John Devine
Winger 11. James Nicholson
Out half 10. Sam Prendergast Scrum half 9. Fintan Gunne
Front row 1. Paddy McCarthy, 2. Gus McCarthy (capt), 3. Ronan Foxe
Second Row 4. Charlie Irvine, 5. Conor O'Tighearnaigh
Backrow 6. James McNabney, 7. Ruadhan Quinn, 8. Brian Gleeson
Replacements: 16.Danny Sheahan, 17.George Morris, 18. iachna Barrett, 19. Evan O'Connell, 20. Diarmuid Mangan, 21. Jack Oliver, 22. Harry West, 23. Rory Telfer
The Ireland U20s Match Day Squad to face Australia this Thursday! 💪#FutureIsGreen | @PwCIreland
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) June 27, 2023
Meanwhile, Australia, who opened their campaign with a 46-37 win over Fiji, have made 10 changes to their team with Mason Gordon, Jhy Legg, Lachlan Hooper, Darby Lancaster and David Vaihu retained.
In the backline, fullback Gordon takes the number 15 jersey. He is flanked by Tim Ryan and Lancaster.
Henry O'Donnell and Vaihu start in the centre.
Jack Bowen starts at 10, while Teddy Wilson captains the side from scrumhalf.
Jack Barrett, Max Craig, and Massimo De Lutiis make up the Australian front row. Jhy Legg and Daniel Maiava-Tapusoa Hooper providr cover in the second row. Finally, Ned Slack-Smith, and John Bryant complete the side from the back row.
Junior Wallabies head coach Nathan Grey said: “Ireland has been the benchmark in the U20s Six Nations for the last two years and their draw against England last weekend was a high-quality match. We are excited to test ourselves against a northern hemisphere team for the first time in four years and keen to deliver a performance that showcases both our attacking style and our commitment in defence.”
Australia U20:
Fullback 15. Mason Gordon
Winger 14. Tim Ryan
Centres 13. Henry O'Donnell, 12. David Vaihu
Winger 11. Darby Lancaster
Out half 10. Jack Bowen Scrum half 9. Teddy Wilson (captain)
Front row 1. Jack Barrett, 2. Max Craig, 3. Massimo De Lutiis
Second row 4. Jhy Legg, 5. Daniel Maiava-Tapusoa
Backrow 6. Lachlan Hooper, 7. Ned Slack-Smith, 8. John Bryant
Replacements: 16. Liam Bowron, 17. Harrison Usher, 18. Nick Bloomfield, 19. Toby Macpherson, 20. Leafi Heka Talataina, 21. Klayton Thorn, 22. Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, 23. Taj Annan
A new-look #JuniorWallabies lineup to face Ireland U20 in our second pool game 👀
🗓️ Thursday 29 June, 7pm AEST
🏟️ Paarl Gymnasium, Paarl
📺 @StanSportAU #WorldRugbyU20s pic.twitter.com/9PXgcKQiHK— Wallabies (@wallabies) June 27, 2023
