Ireland seek Rec scalp to keep under-20 Six Nations momentum going

Andy Titterrell's England side have overcome a slow start against Wales and ill-discipline against Scotland to take nine points of a possible 10 so far this campaign.

Daniel Ryan of Ireland with supporters after his side's victory at Virgin Media Park. Pic: Shauna Clinton/Sportsfile

Andrew Browne's Ireland under-20s travel to Bath's Recreation Ground on Friday night with plans to build on their narrow 30-27 Six Nations victory over Italy. 

Recent meetings of Ireland under-20 duels with England will bring memories of some high-scoring battles; 2022 saw Ireland - on their way to a Grand Slam - overcome their English counterparts 42-27; 2023 - with Ireland en route to back-to-back Grand Slams, the then-coached Richie Murphy young guns won the Cork clash 36-24. 

The gap would narrow in 2024 and the 32-all draw in Bath, coupled with England's superior bonus-point count, meant England pipped Ireland to the Championship. 

Tide turning? Very possibly.

That change would come to fruition in 2025. With Neil Back in charge, those in green failed to make any significant mark on the tournament and struggled to a single bonus-point win over Scotland, leaving them to stew over a last-placed finish. 

England were beaten to the title by France, but last year did mark their first win over Ireland at this level for some time. 

Andy Titterrell's side have overcome a slow start against Wales and ill-discipline against Scotland to take nine points of a possible 10 so far this campaign, while Ireland got back-on-track with the Virgin Media Park win over the Italians after falling to France in the opener.

Browne has made one personnel change and a couple of position switches to his Ireland 15 for Friday night's under-the-lights clash at the Rec, with Munster's Billy Hayes coming into the side in place of Leinster second-row Dylan McNeice. 

Hayes will operate at seven, while Josh Neill moves to the blindside and Joe Finn switches to the engine room.

For England, Back-row Connor Treacey leads the side at his home stadium, while Ollie Streeter and Tyler Offiah are integrated into the starting 15 for the latter’s first Six Nations start.

“Learning from the weather and territory in Round 1 against Wales to what ill-discipline can lead to against Scotland - to continue the momentum we have built so far, it's important that we learn from these previous experiences," England assistant coach Will Parkin said.

He added: “We know there is a big crowd coming to watch, which is a huge privilege, but also vital for supporting the players development as they progress through their careers. The boys are excited to put in a performance against Ireland that reflects our connected, courageous and relentless attitude.”

England: J Pater; T Offiah, N Lilley, V Worsnip, G Pearson; F Keylock, L Friday; O Scola, J Staples, O Streeter; E Williams, P Hogg; A Ainsworth‑Cave, S Kelly, C Treacey.  

Replacements: J Gorleku, O Spencer, S Tonga’uiha, T Williams, G Marsh, G Newman, W Knight, O Davies.

Ireland: N Byrne, D Moloney, R Carney, J O’Leary, D Ryan, T Wood, C Barrett, M Doyle, L Fitzpatrick, S Bishti, J Finn, D McGuire, J Neill, B Hayes, D O’Connell.

Replacements: R Handley, C Foley, B McClean, S Walsh, B Blaney, J O’Dwyer, C O’Shea, J O’Sullivan.