Ireland take on Italians in U19s

IRELAND make their IRB/FIRA 2003 U19 rugby World Cup Championship debut this evening near Paris when they take on Italy (6.30pm) in a bid to at least guarantee their place in the top eight of the event.

But manager Michael Cunningham reckons that the Irish will have their work cut out against a strong Italian side. Ireland lost to Wales and England (11-21 and 3-12 respectively) while the Italians were beaten by the English, Welsh, Scotland and France. But all four matches were close-fought and Cunningham believes there is little between the sides.

“It’s going to be a very physical game, that’s for sure. We know from past experience that Italy are very strong, very aggressive and possess a fair degree of skill as well.

“Our aim is to progress to the next section of the tournament but we

then would have to meet New Zealand to be sure of finishing in the last four.

“New Zealand have won the tournament for each of the last two years and that will be another major challenge.

“Right now, however, we would be quite happy to emerge with a win over the Italians. After that, we will think about New Zealand,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Irish Schools take on France at Thomond Park on Saturday evening (7pm) and the good news is that all the players are fit and looking forward to the challenge.

In a training match last weekend, Cork based scrum half Duncan Williams (CBC) picked up a leg injury but he has been given the all-clear. RELAND U19: R. McCarron (UCD), M. Hewitt (Skerries), K. Geraghty (Colston College), G. Stafford (Lansdowne), P. McKenzie (Loughborough), B. Keeshan (UCC), S. Auld (Belfast Harlequins), G. Maxwell (Dungannon), R. Quinn (UCC), R. Loughney (UL/Bohemians), L. Stevenson (Belfast Harlequins), M. Melbourne (Northampton), B. McNamee (Northampton), A. Kavanagh (Garryowen, captain), O. Hennessy (Dungannon).

Replacements: F. Leonard (UL Bohemians),

R. Sweeney (St Mary’s), J. Andress (Belfast Harlequins), T. Ryan (Highfield), C. Willis (Blackrock), B. O’Donnell (UL Bohemians), G. Steenson (Queens), R. McCarter (Queens), D. Smith (Colston College), T. Horner (Belfast Harlequins),

C. Treston (Blackrock).

IRISH SCHOOLS (v France, Thomond Park, 7.00, Saturday)

S. Grissing (St. Mary’s), E. Fitzgerald (Belvedere), A. Trimble (Coleraine), M. Scott (Methodist), C. McNaughton (Rockwell), F. Lawlor (Cistercian, Roscrea), D. Williams (CBC Cork), A. O’Sullivan (PBC Bray), J. Coady (Blackrock), A. Kirkpatrick (Ballymena Academy), R. Noonan (CBC Cork), A. Dunlop (Terenure), C. Henry (Wallace HS, captain), K. McLaughlin (Gonzaga), G. Murphy (Clongowes)

Replacements: J. Kerins (CBC Cork), D Hurley (CBC Cork), P. Collins (Templeogue), R Caldwell (RBAI), D O’Leary (PBC, Cork), E Ronan (CBC Cork) , J McGrugan (Ballyclare HS).