Ireland U20 head coach Browne rings the changes for Italy clash

Ireland’s Josh Neill. Pic: Levan Verdzeuli/Inpho

Head coach Andrew Browne has named the Ireland U20 side for Saturday’s final World Rugby Junior World Championship clash against Italy in Georgia (kick-off, 5.30pm Irish time).

Ireland will look to finish the tournament on a high after Monday's hard-earned victory over Fiji secured a place in Saturday’s ninth-place play-off.

Browne's side now take on Italy at AIA Arena in Kutaisi seeking back-to-back victories, with Josh Neill set to lead Ireland out as captain.

There are several changes to the side that defeated Fiji, with Daniel Green selected at full-back alongside Charlie Molony and Daniel Ryan on the wings.

Rob Carney and James O'Leary are selected as the midfield partnership, while Charlie O'Shea and Christopher Barrett link up as the half-back pairing.

The forward pack sees Max Doyle, Duinn Maguire and Blake McClean form the front row, with Joe Finn partnering Donnacha McGuire in the second row.

Captain Neill leads the side from blindside flanker, with Alex Lautsou at openside and Diarmaid O'Connell completing the back row at number eight.

The replacements bench features Rian Handley, Adam Cooper and Luke Murtagh as the front row cover, while Sean Walsh and Charlie Keane provide the remaining forward reinforcements.

Luke Coffey, Sean Walsh and Jack Deegan complete the Matchday 23 and offer a range of options in the backs.

Ireland: Daniel Green (Queen’s University/Ulster); Charlie Molony (UCD/Leinster), Rob Carney (Cashel/Munster), James O'Leary (UCC/Munster), Daniel Ryan (Corinthians/Connacht); Charlie O'Shea (UCC/Munster), Christopher Barrett (UCC/Munster); Max Doyle (UCD/Leinster), Duinn Maguire (UCD/Leinster), Blake McClean (Instonians/Ulster); Joe Finn (Garryowen/Munster), Donnacha McGuire (UCD/Leinster); Josh Neill (Old Wesley/Leinster), Alex Lautsou (Shannon/Munster), Diarmaid O'Connell (Corinthians/Connacht).

Replacements: Rian Handley (Old Wesley/Leinster), Adam Cooper (Buccaneers/Connacht), Luke Murtagh (Galwegians/Connacht), Sean Walsh (MU Barnhall/Leinster), Charlie Keane (Corinthians/Connacht), Luke Coffey (Blackrock College/Leinster), Sean Walsh (Corinthians/Connacht), Jack Deegan (Blackrock/Leinster).