Ireland U20s Announce Team for Wales Clash with Two Changes
By 247sports.news Staff
Key Changes to the Starting XV
Ireland U20s head coach Andrew Browne has announced two changes to the team that secured a victory over England, ahead of Saturday’s Under-20 Six Nations game against Wales at Virgin Media Park. The match is scheduled to kick off at 7:45 PM.
Dylan McNeice returns to the starting XV after recovering from a knee injury. Joe Finn moves from blindside flanker to the engine room, partnering McNeice in the second row.
Unchanged Backline Maintains Momentum
Browne has opted to retain an unchanged backline from the successful match against England. This includes Noah Byrne, Derry Moloney, and Daniel Ryan in the back three, with James O’Leary and Rob Carney continuing in midfield. The half-backs will once again be the Munster duo of Christopher Barrett and Tom Woods.
Pack Adjustments for Saturday’s Match
The forward pack sees changes alongside McNeice and Finn. Ben Blaney replaces Billy Hayes at openside flanker. Josh Neill, recently named player of the match in the last two rounds, will feature at blindside flanker, while Diarmaid O’Connell completes the starting team at number eight.
The front row of Max Doyle, Lee Fitzpatrick, and captain Sami Bishti remains unchanged.
Replacements Ready to Contribute
The replacements available to Browne are Duinn Maguire, Christian Foley, Blake McClean, Donnacha McGuire, Billy Hayes, James O’Dwyer, Charlie O’Shea, and Johnny O’Sullivan.
Looking Ahead: Triple Crown Potential
Ireland’s recent form, including victories over Italy and England, positions them well in the Championship. A win against Wales will set up a crucial final weekend clash with Scotland for a potential Triple Crown.
After a superb victory over England in Bath last time out, Browne has selected an unchanged backline from the victory at The Rec.
Ireland U20s Starting Lineup
- Backs: Noah Byrne, Derry Moloney, Rob Carney, James O’Leary, Daniel Ryan, Tom Wood, Christopher Barrett
- Forwards: Max Doyle, Lee Fitzpatrick, Sami Bishti (capt), Joe Finn, Dylan McNeice, Josh Neill, Ben Blaney, Diarmaid O’Connell
- Replacements: Duinn Maguire, Christian Foley, Blake McClean, Donnacha McGuire, Billy Hayes, James O’Dwyer, Charlie O’Shea, Johnny O’Sullivan
FAQ
What time does the match start?
The match kicks off at 7:45 PM on Saturday.
Where is the match being played?
The match is being played at Virgin Media Park.
Who is the captain of the Ireland U20s team?
Sami Bishti is the captain of the Ireland U20s team.