Ruddock rings changes for South Africa game

Rugby – Team news:Mike Ruddock has made five changes to the Ireland under-20 side that narrowly lost against England ahead of their second game of the IRB Junior World Championship against South Africa.

Tiernan O’Halloran comes in at fullback with Craig Gilroy moving to the wing. JJ Hanrahan will partner Brendan Macken in the centre.

James McKinney has been promoted to the starting side in the outhalf position with Paddy Jackson named on the bench.

Daniel Qualter has been named alongside Michael Kearney in the secondrow with Aaron Connelly making his tournament debut in the backrow.

Iain Henderson, Dominic Gallagher, and Luke Marshall are also named on the bench.

“We have looked closely at South Africa and they present another massive challenge,” said Ruddock. “Typically they are a big and very physical side. Combine that with a four day turnaround and it is important that we introduce some freshness into our team.

“As such I have made five changes to the team that played England. The players coming in are all experienced age grade internationals and they will be keen to perform on the big stage."

Ireland take on South Africa in Treviso, Italy tomorrow evening with a 7.10pm kick-off (Irish time).

Irerland under-20 (v South Africa under-20):Tiernan O'Halloran (Galwegians - Connacht), Andrew Conway (Blackrock - Leinster), Brendan Macken (Blackrock - Leinster), JJ Hanrahan (UL Bohemians- Munster), Craig Gilroy (Dungannon - Ulster), James McKinney (Queens - Ulster), Kieran Marmion (UWIC - Exile), James Tracy (UCD - Leinster), Niall Annett (Belfast Harlequins - Ulster), Tadhg Furlong (Clontarf - Leinster), Michael Kearney (Clontarf - Leinster), Daniel Qualter (Buccaneers - Connacht), Jordi Murphy (Lansdowne - Leinster), Aaron Connelly (Galway Corinthians - Connacht), Eoin McKeon (Galwegians - Connacht).

Replacements: David Doyle (UCD - Leinster), Conor Carey (Ballymena - Ulster), Iain Henderson (Queens - Ulster), Dominic Gallagher (Dublin University - Ulster), Peter Du Toit (UCD - Leinster), Paddy Jackson (Dungannon - Ulster), Luke Marshall (Ballymena - Ulster)