Nigel Carolan names powerful Irish U20 side for daunting clash with Wales

Nigel Carolan has named an U20s side light on experience but heavy on physical punch for the opening Six Nations clash against Wales at Donnybrook tomorrow evening (7.35pm).

Just three players return from last season’s ranks to start and they are all in the front row: Leinster’s Andrew Porter lines out at loosehead, Connacht’s Conan O’Donnell takes the tighthead duties while Ulster’s Adam McBurney starts at hooker. O’Donnell has eight senior Connacht caps but is an exception to the rule in an Irish side that faces a far more experienced Welsh outfit.

Seven of the Welsh XV are returnees and half a dozen in all have banked considerable senior minutes at regional level. That includes two replacements.