Noel McNamara has made five changes to the Ireland U20 side who just fell short against France as he targets victory over South Africa to get their World Championships back on track.
The Irish went down fighting in a 26-24 pool-opening defeat. McNamara’s side now take on the Junior Springboks in Narbonne on Sunday at 4.30pm.
"I think everyone was disappointed that we didn’t come away with the win on Wednesday night, but we’ve taken the positives from the game and looked forward to tomorrow’s match," said trhe head coach.
"South Africa are a big and physical team so we’re expecting a big battle, but one the players are really looking forward to."
The front-row remains unchanged with prop Jordan Duggan, who was a late change for James French on Wednesday packing down alongside hooker Diarmuid Barron and tighthead Jack Aungier.
Cormac Daly starts alongside and Jack Dunne in the second row, with the back row again consisting of Joe Dunleavy, Matthew Agnew and No 8 and captain Caelan Doris.
Jonny Stewart and Conor Dean start at scrum-half and out-half, with James Humecoming into the centre to partner Tommy O’Brien.
Sean O’Brien starts on the left wing, with Tom Roche on the right and Michael Silvesterat full-back.
Ireland (v South Africa): 15 Michael Silvester (Dublin University/Leinster), 14 Tom Roche (Lansdowne/Leinster), 13 Tommy O’Brien (UCD/Leinster), 12 James Hume (Banbridge/Ulster), 11 Sean O’Brien (Clontarf/Leinster), 10 Conor Dean (St Mary’s College/Leinster), 9 Jonny Stewart (Queen's University/Ulster); 1 Jordan Duggan (Naas/Leinster), 2 Diarmuid Barron (Garryowen/Munster), 3 Jack Aungier (St Mary’s College/Leinster), 4 Cormac Daly (Clontarf/Leinster), 5 Jack Dunne (Dublin University/Leinster), 6 Joe Dunleavy Malone(/Ulster), 7 Matthew Agnew (Ballymena/Ulster), 8 Caelan Doris (St Mary's College/Leinster) Captain
Replacements: 16 Dan Sheehan (Dublin University/Leinster), 17 Bryan O’Connor (UCC/Munster) 18, Joe Byrne (Dublin University/Leinster), 19 Charlie Ryan (UCD/Leinster), 20 Aaron Hall (Ballynahinch/Ulster), 21 Hugh O’Sullivan (Clontarf/Leinster), 22 Harry Byrne (UCD/Leinster), 23 James McCarthy (UL Bohemian/Munster)
