Ireland U20 team named for Six Nations opener with Scotland

Just two previously capped players make the starting XV.

NIGEL CAROLAN HAS named a new-look Ireland U20 team to face Scotland this Friday (kick off: 8.30pm, Broadwood Stadium, Glasgow, live on RTE2).

Indeed, the starting XV contains just two players previous capped at this level with Ciaran Gallagher — who started in the second row in last year’s win over New Zealand — named at blindside while Johnny McPhillips, who came off the bench in that game, starting at out-half.

Jack Kelly will start at fullback with Jordan Larmour and Colm Hogan named on the wings. UCD duo, Gavin Mullin and Ciaran Frawley make up the centre paring while Johnny Stewart named at scrum half.

Joe Conway, Tadgh McElroy and Peter Cooper make up the front with Fineen Wycherley and Oisin Dowling forming the second row. Gallagher, Paul Boyle and Cealan Doris complete the pack.

Speaking after announcing his team, head coach Nigel Carolan said:

As is the nature of U20s rugby, there is fresh look to the side, the majority of the guys haven’t played at this level before. However many have gotten good game time with their provincial A teams in the British and Irish Cup this season, so that should stand to them.”

Sean Lineen’s Scotland side is slightly more experienced with eight of the match day 23 having experience at this level.

Ireland XV to face Scotland U20s

15. Jack Kelly (Dublin University / Leinster) (Captain)
14. Jordan Larmour (St. Mary’s College / Leinster)
13. Gavin Mullin (UCD / Leinster)
12. Ciaran Frawley (UCD / Leinster)
11. Colm Hogan (Dublin University / Munster)
10. Johnny McPhillips (Ballynahinch / Ulster)
9. Johnny Stewart (Queen’s University / Ulster)

1. Joey Conway (UL Bohemian / Munster)
2. Tadgh McElroy (Lansdowne / Leinster)
3. Peter Cooper (Belfast Harlequins / Ulster)
4. Fineen Wycherley (Young Munster / Munster)
5. Oisin Dowling (Lansdowne / Leinster)
6. Cillian Gallagher (Corinthians / Connacht)
7. Paul Boyle (Lansdowne / Leinster)
8. Caelan Doris (St. Mary’s College / Leinster)

Replacements:
16. Adam Moloney (Shannon / Munster)
17. Rory Mulvihill (UCD / Leinster)
18. Charlie Connolly (Dublin University / Leinster)
19. Jack Regan (UCD / Leinster)
20. Marcus Rea (Queen’s University / Ulster)
21. Jack Lyons (Young Munster / Munster)
22. Conor Fitzgerald (Shannon / Munster)
23. Tommy O’Brien (UCD / Leinster)

Scotland XV to face Ireland U20s

15. Darcy Graham (Hawick)
14. Robbie Nairn (Harlequins)
13. Craig Pringle (Stirling County)
12. Cameron Hutchison (Currie)
11. Ross McCann (Melrose)

10. Josh Henderson (Glasgow Hawks)
9. Andrew Simmers (Heriot’s)

1. George Thornton (Bishop Burton College)
2. Fraser Renwick (Hawick)
3. Adam Nicol (Stirling County)
4. Alex Craig (Gloucester)
5. Callum Hunter-Hill CAPTAIN (Stirling County)
6. Luke Crosbie (Currie)
7. Matt Fagerson (Glasgow Hawks)
8. Tom Dodd (Worcester Warriors)

Replacements:
16. Robbie Smith (Ayr)
17. Daniel Winning (Boroughmuir)
18. Fergus Bradbury (Stirling County)
19. Hamish Bain (Currie)
20. Jamie Ure (Boroughmuir)
21. Bruce Flockhart (Glasgow Hawks)
22. Charlie Shiel (Currie)
23. Stafford McDowall (Ayr)