Ireland U-19 team to play Japan announced

There are several changes both in personal and position to the Ireland U-19 team to play Japan U19 in the IRB U-19 World Championship tomorrow in Shaw’s Bridge, Belfast.

Jamie Smith moves from full back to outside centre, with Niall Morris, who had to pull out of the South Africa match on the day of the game due to a foot injury, selected at 15. Eoin O’Malley takes over at outhalf instead of Scott Deasy. Kris Greene replaces Harry McAleese at scrumhalf.

The entire front row of the pack has been changed with Ian Leonard, Michael Sherry and Matthew Nelson replacing Paul Karayiannis, Stephen Douglas and Patrick McCabe respectively. The final change to the team is in the backrow, where Patrick Mallon replaces Kieran Essex.