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McNabney only change for Ireland U20s' final clash

James McNabney returns from suspension to take his place in the back row
James McNabney returns from suspension to take his place in the back row

James McNabney returns to the Ireland team for their World Rugby U20 Championship final against France as the only change to the side that beat South Africa.

The Ulster back row is back after serving a two-game ban for a dangerous tackle in the pool game against Australia.

His addition sees Diarmuid Mangan moving from the flank to the second row for the match-up at Athlone Stadium in Cape Town on Friday (6pm Irish time).

Henry McErlean, Andrew Osborne and James Nicholson continue in the back three, with John Devine and Hugh Gavin named in the Ireland midfield. Fintan Gunne and Sam Prendergast are the half-backs.

In the pack, Paddy McCarthy, captain Gus McCarthy and Ronan Foxe are in the front row, with Mangan joining Conor O'Tighearnaigh in the second row.

McNabney (above) joins Ruadhan Quinn and Brian Gleeson in the back row.

On the bench, Max Clein, George Hadden, Fiachna Barrett, Charlie Irvine and Evan O'Connell provide the reinforcements in the pack, while Oscar Cawley, Matty Lynch and Sam Berman complete the squad.

Murphy said: "The entire group are fully focused on producing our best performance of the season on Friday night because we know we'll need it against a very strong France team. We have made good progress throughout the tournament but we will need to fine-tune all areas of our game for the final.

"The players and staff are excited about the challenge ahead and we look forward to representing Ireland in the World Rugby U20 Championship final.

"The level of support we have received from back home throughout has been incredible and a major boost for everyone, and we will do everything to finish the season on the ultimate high."

Meanwhile, France have named an unchanged starting XV for the game from the side that hammered England 52-31 in the semi-final.

There is one change on the bench with centre Arthur Mathiron replacing Andy Timo.

Seven of the team for Friday's game started the 33-31 Six Nations loss to Ireland in the spring.

Ireland U20: Henry McErlean; Andrew Osborne, Hugh Gavin, John Devine, James Nicholson; Sam Prendergast, Fintan Gunne; Paddy McCarthy, Gus McCarthy, Ronan Foxe; Diarmuid Mangan, Conor O'Tighearnaigh; James McNabney, Ruadhan Quinn, Brian Gleeson.

Replacements: Max Clein, George Hadden, Fiachna Barrett, Charlie Irvine, Evan O'Connell, Oscar Cawley, Matthew Lynch, Sam Berman.

France U20: Mathis Ferte; Leo Drouet, Nicolas Depoortere, Paul Costes, Theo Attissogbe; Hugo Reus, Baptiste Jauneau; Louis Penverne, Pierre Jouvin, Zaccharie Affane; Hugo Auradou, Posolo Tuilagi; Lenni Nouchi (capt), Oscar Jegou, Marko Gazzotti.

Replacements: Thomas Lacombre, Lino Julien, Thomas Duchene, Brent Liufau, Mathis Castro Ferreira, Leo Carbonneau, Arthur Mathiron, Clement Mondinat.

Follow a live blog of Ireland v France on RTÉ Sport Online and the RTÉ News app from 5.30pm on Friday

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