McDermott bloods six young guns

THE Ireland U21 team to play hosts France on the opening day of the 2006 IRB U21 World Championship shows six changes to the side that lost 40-5 to England U21 in March in the final game of the U21 6 Nations tournament.

Coach Mark McDermott has selected Belfast Harlequins hooker Stuart Philpott to captain the team, while Shannon hooker Sean Cronin has been rewarded for his recent excellent AIB League form with a place on the bench, while Leinster Academy player Devin Toner, who stands at 6ft 10in, starts in the second row.

The changes in the backline see Cork Constitution’s Tom Gleeson start ahead of Darren Cave at outside-centre, Kieran Hallett of the Bedford Blues comes in at out-half, with Garryowen’s Conan Doyle switching to inside-centre, while Fergus McFadden loses his place. Ballynahinch’s Paul Marshall also returns at scrum-half with Duncan Williams losing out.