Ireland battle to keep slim cup semi-final hopes alive

Towering Munster Academy lock Thomas Ahern will make his Ireland U20 debut in today’s final Pool B clash with Italy at the World Rugby U20 Championship in Santa Fe (kick-off 2.30pm Irish time — live on eir Sport 1).

The 6ft 7in former Youghal, Dungarvan and Waterpark youths player, who only switched from the back-line to the second row in early 2017, gets his chance after being a water carrier and an unused replacement for Ireland’s first two games at the tournament.