Ireland will face off against European rivals France in today's (Friday, July 14) World Rugby U20 Championship final at 6 pm Irish time.
Following an impressive 31-12 semi-final victory against South Africa, James McNabney is the sole change to the starting XV, making a return from suspension as blindside flanker.
His return sees a shuffle in the side, with Diarmuid Mangan moved to the second row, Charlie Irvine dropped to the bench, and Dan Barron dropping out of the squad.
Tonight’s the night! ☘️#FutureIsGreen | #IrishRugby pic.twitter.com/k9zqYfhsts
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) July 14, 2023
Richie Murphy has praised his side's efforts to date and recognises the improvements with each game.
That said, he is aware of the threat that France possess and knows that his team will need to be turned on from the opening exchange.
"We have made good progress throughout the tournament, but we will need to fine-tune all areas of our game for the final," he told RTÉ Sport.
France were comprehensive winners in their semi-final meeting with England, sealing victory with an emphatic scoreline of 52-31.
They remain unchanged for today's clash, with the sole change coming on the bench - centre Arthur Mathiron replaces Andy Timo.
Interestingly, seven of the XV started in their Spring Six Nations loss against Ireland.
Kick-off is at 6 pm and will be shown live on Virgin Media Two.
Teams
Ireland: Henry McErlean; Andrew Osborne, Hugh Gavin, John Devine, James Nicholson; Sam Prendergast, Fintan Gunne; Paddy McCarthy, Gus McCarthy, Ronan Foxe; Diarmuid Mangan, Conor O'Tighearnaigh; James McNabney, Ruadhan Quinn, Brian Gleeson.
Replacements: Max Clein, George Hadden, Fiachna Barrett, Charlie Irvine, Evan O'Connell, Oscar Cawley, Matthew Lynch, Sam Berman.
France: Mathis Ferte; Leo Drouet, Nicolas Depoortere, Paul Costes, Theo Attissogbe; Hugo Reus, Baptiste Jauneau; Louis Penverne, Pierre Jouvin, Zaccharie Affane; Hugo Auradou, Posolo Tuilagi; Lenni Nouchi (capt), Oscar Jegou, Marko Gazzotti.
Replacements: Thomas Lacombre, Lino Julien, Thomas Duchene, Brent Liufau, Mathis Castro Ferreira, Leo Carbonneau, Arthur Mathiron, Clement Mondinat.
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