Ruddock skippers Irish for New Zealand clash

CIARÁN RUDDOCK has been installed as captain for the Ireland U20s’ pivotal Pool A clash against holders, New Zealand, in the world junior championships at Nagoya, Japan today (11am Irish time).

The son of former Leinster and Wales head coach, Mike, takes the armband after Peter O’Mahony was suspended for one match following the opening game against Argentina on Friday.

Ruddock’s brother, Rhys, is picked in O’Mahony’s No 8 position while Leinster’s Jack McGrath moves across from loose head to tight-head prop. Adam Macklin fills the No 3 shirt which sees Patrick McAllister drop down to the replacements.

In one change from the side that defeated Argentina 16-9, Leinster Academy player Eamonn Sheridan replaces Johnny Shiels in the centre while Shane Gahan is promoted to the bench. Try-scorer against the Pumitas, Nevin Spence, partners Sheridan in the centre while Ian McKinley retains his place at No 10 ahead of Munster Academy out half, Andrew Burke.

New Zealand head coach, Dave Rennie, has made numerous changes to the side that thrashed Uruguay 75-0 in their opener. Rennie has picked a new front five but highly-rated out half and team skipper, Aaron Cruden, retains his spot at No 10 along with Wellington Hurricanes winger, Zac Guilford, scorer of hat-trick of tries against Uruguay.

Winston Stanley of Auckland Blues, starts at outside centre but there is no place for star full back Codey Rei who scored 18 points against Uruguay.

“Ireland will be a much tougher proposition (than Uruguay),” says Rennie. “They were first equal in this year’s Six Nations U20 tournament and have won seven of eight this season. They are well organised, have belief and know how to win tight games.” The game will be live online at www.IRB.com/jwc/video.

IRELAND U20 (v New Zealand): I Madigan (Leinster); D Kearney (Leinster), N Spence (Ulster), E Sheridan (Leinster), M Keating (Leinster); I McKinley (Leinster), M Healy (Leinster); J McGrath (Leinster),T Sexton (Leinster), A Macklin (Ulster); C Ruddock (Exile) (capt), M Flanagan (Leinster), D Ryan (Leinster), B O’Hara (Munster), R Ruddock (Exiles). Replacements: D McGregor (Ulster), P McAllister (Ulster), J Moran (Connacht), D O’Callaghan (Munster), C Murray (Munster), A Burke (Munster), S Gahan (Leinster).