Four Changes on U20s for French Game

8th February 2007 By Munster Rugby

Ireland U20 Coach Eric Elwood has made four changes, two positional and two personnel, to the Ireland U20 team to play France in Dubarry Park, Athlone on Friday night.

Cian Healy comes into loosehead prop in place of David Millard and Munster’s Tommy O’Donnell moves up from the replacements to openside, with Captain David Pollock moving to No.8 in place of hamstring injury victim Sean O’Brien. Kevin Sheahan comes into the replacements to fill O’Donnell’s position.

Commenting on the game, Coach Eric Elwood said, “Last weeks performance showed all the guts and character that I could have asked for from the lads. To come back in the manner we did was tremendous and we showed some great skills in the process by taking the game to Wales after the pressure they put on us from the start”.

“This game is a different challenge and France will be just as strong as Wales, if not stronger. Playing at home is a big plus for us and we are really looking forward to the atmosphere of a packed Dubarry Park. Hopefully the local fans can make it as intimidating as possible and that we can give them a performance to shout about”.

“While we have lost Sean O’Brien to injury, the back row and the entire pack last week played exceptionally well and certainly a lot of people stood up and took notice of our backline, with Felix (Jones) certainly standing out”.

15 – Felix Jones Seapoint/Leinster

14 – Shane Monahan Dublin University/Leinster

13 – Darren Cave Belfast Harlequins/Ulster

12 – Aidan Wynne Buccaneers/Connacht

11 – Keith Earls Thomond/Munster

10 – Ian Keatley UCD/Leinster

9 – Paul O’Donohoe UCD/Leinster

1 – Cian Healy Clontarf/Leinster

2 – Richard Sweeney St. Mary’s College/Leinster

3 – Jamie Hagan Greystones/Leinster

4 – Conor Mc Inerney UCD/Leinster

5 – Andrew Browne Galwegians/Connacht