Ireland U-21 v Italy U-21 Sportsground, 3.0: Ciarán Fitzgerald's Ireland side need a crucial second victory for a place in IRB under-21 World Cup in South Africa later this year, writes John O'Sullivan
Ordinarily, it would not seem too arduous an assignment, but in their last outing against Scotland, the Irish found it difficult to establish any rhythm in the first half and struggled to eke out a victory.
Italy have also recorded a win over the Scots, a 6-3 success, albeit in dreadfully wet conditions. Fitzgerald has made one change to the side that started against Scotland, UCD outhalf Eoghan Hickey replacing Barry Lynn, who drops to the bench. Ireland will once again look for a strong performance from the pack.
IRELAND U-21: S Young (Ballymena); M McPhail (UL Bohemian), G Duffy (Galwegians), C O'Sullivan (UCC), C McPhilips (St Mary's College); E Hickey (UCD), B O'Riordan (UCD); J Lyne (Lansdowne), K Corrigan (UCD), B Young (Ballymena); S Keogh (UCC), M McCullough (Ballymena, capt); D Leamy (UCC), R Wilson (DU), N McMillan (Ballymena). Replacements: R Best (Newscastle), S Philips (Saracens), M Carroll(Blackrock College), C Hartigan (Garryowen), F Murphy (UCC), B Lynn (St Mary's College), J Norton (St Mary's College).
Referee: P Fear (Wales).
