Irish out to avenge Welsh defeat

Under-19 World Cup Ireland v Wales: Ireland have a real chance to avenge their defeat earlier this season by Wales when they meet tonight in the fifth/sixth-place play-off at the Dubai Exiles ground in the fifth and final round of the IRB Under-19 World Championship.

Wales not only won when the two sides met at Blackrock College in the Under-19 Six Nations, they did so comfortably. Ireland coach Charlie McAleese, however, believes the balance has altered.

"Wales were at the height of their competitiveness when they beat us in Dublin whereas we were still coming together," he says.

Nonetheless, Wales come into this match having defeated defending champions South Africa in the last round and that alone will give the Six Nations champions confidence.

Ireland have been gaining momentum throughout the tournament after a first-round win over England, showing determination and character in the last two rounds, against Samoa and Argentina.

"Teams usually have one easier match but we've had demanding games throughout the championship, but that has helped the boys to maintain a focus throughout the championship, and that has helped us maximise our opportunities," says McAleese.

"It also helps that going into the last match we had a fully fit squad to choose from. A lot of that is down to luck but it's also to do with the fantastic job the medical, physio and conditioning staff have done."

One factor that will militate against both teams is the heat. The temperatures in Dubai have been steadily climbing, exceeding 40 degrees at midday. Tonight's match, which precedes the final, kicks off at 6pm, when it will still be sweltering. But at least the game will be played at the Exiles ground and not, as in the last two rounds, on the sub-standard Sharjah pitch.

"We'll be able to watch the Australia v New Zealand final and that will be fantastic for the boys," says McAleese.

McAleese has picked a strong starting XV, bringing in UCD student Ian Keatley to partner the in-form Keith Earls at centre and keeping faith in David Drake, the Instonians scrumhalf, after his impressive performance against Argentina in the last round.

In the pack Cian Murphy switches to tighthead with Ruaidhrí Murphy coming at in at loosehead.

IRELAND: S Carey (Garbally); S Monahan (Trinity), K Earls (St Munchin's), I Keatley (UCD), M Barker (Queen's); B Collins (Castleknock), D Drake (Instonians); R Murphy (Castleknock), G Slattery (St Munchin's), C Healy (Belvedere); T Anderson (Queen's), C McInerney (UCD); T O'Donnell (UL Bohemians), D Pollock (Queen's), K Sheahan (UCD). Replacements: R Sweeney (Castleknock), J Gethings (Gonzaga), P Gilchrist (UCD), A Browne (Galwegians), J Graham (Ballynahinch), T Walsh (Castleknock), P O'Donohoe (Belvedere), N O'Connor (Limavady GS), A Wynne (Blackrock), I Dineen (CBC Cork), I Whitten (Queen's)