Three changes to Irish U21 lineup

Coach Mark McDermott has made three changes to the Ireland U21 team from the side played Argentina last week for the repeat encounter in the IRB U-21 World Championship tomorrow.

Scrum half Matt D’Arcy, back row Michael Essex and winger Ian Hanly have played themselves into the side following impressive displays against Georgia last time out.

There are also two changes on the bench with Callum Black and Diarmuid Laffan named among the replacements to face the South Americans.

“Argentina are very physical up front especially in the scrum time and have caused all teams big problems in the tournament,” said team manager Niall O'Shea.

“They also play a strong pick and go system that caused us problems in our last encounter.

“We are confident that we can improve in all the key areas and are looking forward to the challenge that lies ahead.”

Ireland U21 team:

1. Darragh Hurley (UCC)

2. Sean Cronin (Shannon)

3. Dave Ryan (Highfield)

4. David McGowan (Buccaneers)

5. Devin Toner (Lansdowne)

6. Michael Essex (UCC)

7. David Pollock (Queens University)

8. Sean O’Brien (Captain) (UCD)

9. Matt D’arcy (Dublin University)

10. Kieran Hallett (Bedford Blues)

11. Matt Williams (Bristol)

12. Fergus McFadden (UCD)

13. Tom Gleeson (Cork Constitution)

14. Ian Hanly (UL Bohemian)

15. Fionn Carr (Blackrock College RFC

Reserves:

16. Stuart Philpott (Belfast Harlequins)

17. Callum Black (Worcester)

18. Dan Touhy (Hartpury College/Gloucester)

19. Diarmuid Laffan (Blackrock College RFC)

20. Duncan Williams (UCC)

21. Jonathan Sexton (St. Mary’s College)

22. Darren Cave (Belfast Harlequins).