Ireland U20 Head Coach Richie Murphy has announced the side to play in the World Rugby U20 Championship Final against France at Athlone Stadium in Cape Town on Friday night. The game is set to kick off at 7pm local time, or 6pm Irish time.
Murphy has made a single change to the starting XV, following their win in the semi-final match against South Africa. James McNabney returns to the back row, resulting in Diarmuid Mangan moving to the second row.
The back three will consist of Henry McErlean, Andrew Osborne, and James Nicholson, while John Devine and Hugh Gavin are named in the Ireland midfield. Fintan Gunne and Sam Prendergast will take up their slots in the half-backs.
In the pack, Paddy McCarthy, with Gus McCarthy as the captain, and Ronan Foxe form the front row. Mangan will partner with Conor O'Tighearnaigh in the engine room. The returning McNabney joins Ruadhan Quinn and Brian Gleeson in the back row.
Murphy is confident in the options available on the bench, which includes Max Clein, George Hadden, Fiachna Barrett, Charlie Irvine, and Evan O'Connell for the pack. Oscar Cawley, Matty Lynch, and Sam Berman complete the Match Day 23 for the upcoming final.
“The entire group are fully focused on producing our best performance of the season on Friday night because we know we’ll need it against a very strong France team. We have made good progress throughout the tournament but we will need to fine-tune all areas of our game for the final," he said.
Looking ahead to the match, Murphy expressed the team's focus on delivering their best performance of the season against a formidable French team. He acknowledged the progress made throughout the tournament and emphasized the need to fine-tune all aspects of their game for the final.
"The players and staff are excited about the challenge ahead and we look forward to representing Ireland in the World Rugby U20 Championship final. The level of support we have received from back home throughout has been incredible and a major boost for everyone, and we will do everything to finish the season on the ultimate high," he added.
For viewers in the Republic of Ireland, the match will be broadcast live on Virgin Media Two. In areas without a local broadcaster, World Rugby platforms will provide coverage of the final.
Our line up for Friday's World Rugby U20 Championship Final! 🟢#FutureIsGreen | @PwCIreland
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) July 12, 2023
Ireland u20s team to face France
15. Henry McErlean
14. Andrew Osborne
13. Hugh Gavin 12. John Devine
11. James Nicholson
10. Sam Prendergast 9. Fintan Gunne
1. Paddy McCarthy, 2. Gus McCarthy 3. Ronan Foxe
4. Diarmuid Mangan 5. Conor O’Tighearnaigh
6.James McNabney 7. Ruadhan Quinn 8. Brian Gleeson
Replacements
16. Max Clein, 17. George Hadden .18. Fiachna Barrett .19. Charlie Irvine .20. Evan O’Connell .21. Oscar Cawley .22. Matthew Lynch 23. Sam Berman
France U20 team to face Ireland
15.Mathis Ferte
14. Leo Drouet,
13. Nicolas Depoortere, 12. Paul Costes,
11. Theo Attissogbe;
10. Hugo Reus, 9. Baptiste Jauneau
1. Louis Penverne, 2. Pierre Jouvin, 3. Zaccharie Affane;
4. Hugo Auradou, 5. Posolo Tuilagi
6. Lenni Nouchi (capt), 7. Oscar Jegou, 8. Marko Gazzotti.
Replacements:
16. Thomas Lacombre, 17. Lino Julien, 18. Thomas Duchene, 19. Brent Liufau, 20. Mathis Castro Ferreira, 21. Leo Carbonneau, 22. Arthur Mathiron, 23. Clement Mondinat.
☘⚡🇫🇷 𝐋𝐀 𝐕𝐎𝐈𝐋𝐀 !
😍 L'équipe de #FranceU20 qui affrontera l'Irlande en finale des Championnats du Monde !
📺 Le match est à suivre vendredi en direct sur @lachainelequipe.
#NeFaisonsXV #IRLFRA #WorldRugbyU20s pic.twitter.com/ia336mMijR— France Rugby (@FranceRugby) July 12, 2023
