McCarthy under no illusion of 'massive physical battle' Italy will bring

Ireland top the pool after their bonus point win over Georgia in a game where they had just 41% possession but ran in five tries with winger Paidi Farrell getting a brace and hooker Henry Walker, full-back Charlie Molony and lock Mahon Ronan also scoring.

PHYSICAL CHALLENGE: Ireland captain Éanna McCarthy is under no illusion about the task facing them in Viadana this Friday evening when they take on hosts Italy in the second round of the World Rugby U20 Championship. Pic: ©INPHO/Sebastiano Pessina

Ireland captain Éanna McCarthy is under no illusion about the task facing them in Viadana this Friday evening when they take on hosts Italy in the second round of the World Rugby U20 Championship (6.30pm Irish time).

Italy scored a first ever U20 Six Nations victory over Ireland earlier this year when they won 15-12 in Treviso and McCarthy said while they were boosted by their 35-28 opening round win over Georgia, he knows this will be a bigger test.