Head Coach Richie Murphy has named the Ireland U20 squad for their World Rugby U20 Championship semi-final clash against South Africa in Cape Town. The game is set to kick off at 4.30pm local time/3.30pm Irish time on Sunday
Leading the team onto the field is Gus McCarthy, who returns to the starting XV as captain.
The Ireland back three comprises Henry McErlean, Andrew Osborne, and James Nicholson, while the midfield features the duo of Hugh Gavin and John Devine. The half-back combination sees the return of Sam Prendergast and Fintan Gunne,
Our World Rugby U20 Championship semi-final line up! 🟢#FutureIsGreen | @PwCIreland
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) July 7, 2023
In the forward pack, Paddy McCarthy, the skipper himself, and Ronan Foxe make their comeback, joining forces with Charlie Irvine and Conor O'Tighearnaigh in the engine room. Diarmuid Mangan starts as blindside flanker, Ruadhan Quinn in the openside position, and Brian Gleeson gets the nod with the number eight jersey.
Ireland's bench, contains Danny Sheahan, the standout performer in Tuesday's victory over Fiji, along with George Hadden, Fiachna Barrett, Evan O'Connell, and Dan Barron providing formidable forward options. Completing the Ireland 23 are Oscar Cawley, Matthew Lynch, and Sam Berman.
You can see the game on Virgin Media Two in the Republic of Ireland, or access the live stream on World Rugby platforms.
Ireland u20s team to face South Africa
15. Henry McErlean
14. Andrew Osborne
13. Hugh Gavin 12. John Devine
11. James Nicholson
10. Sam Prendergast 9. Fintan Gunne
1. Paddy McCarthy (Dublin University, 2. Gus McCarthy 3. Ronan Foxe
4. Charlie Irvine 5. Conor O’Tighearnaigh
6. Diarmuid Mangan 7. Ruadhan Quinn 8. Brian Gleeson
Replacements:
16. Danny Sheahan 17. George Hadden 18. Fiachna Barrett 19. Evan O’Connell 20. Dan Barron 21. Oscar Cawley 22. Matthew Lynch 23. Sam Berman
