Ruddock warns of physical tests ahead

Irish coach Mike Ruddock has called on his pack to stand up to the most potent physical tests in rugby against Italy, England and South Africa at the Junior World Championships.

The Ireland U20 team open their campaign against host nation South Africa at Danie Craven Stadium where Ruddock has named hooker Niall Scannell as captain in place of Paddy Jackson, who was pulled out of the squad by Ulster last week.

However the Ireland coach expects his side to show off their undoubted ability and will use the experience of their first ever U20 win on French soil in February to good effect.