Limerick’s Daniel Okeke named to start in Irish U20’s side to face Italy

Richie Murphy has named his Irish U20 side to face Italy in Round 4 of the 2021 Six Nations.

Murphy has made extensive changes to the match-day squad which fell nine points short of England last Thursday.

One of the tournament’s stand-out players, Alex Kendellen has been moved to the open-side position in order to make room for his fellow Munster team-mate, Limerick’s Daniel Okeke.

The former Ardscoil Ris man will wear the number eight jersey and make up the back row with captain Kendellen and Clontarf’s Alex Soroka, who moves from second row to the blind-side.

Three further changes in the pack come in the form of George Saunderson and Eoin de Buitléar, who are joined in the front row by Old Wesley’s Sam Illo. Murphy’s last change in the forwards is Mark Morrissey, who is returning to the second row position alongside Harry Sheridan.

Ulster out-half James Humphreys comes back in to the starting line up from a facial injury he suffered against Scotland. Beside Humphreys is his fellow Ulster team mate Nathan Doak, who retains the number nine jersey. Ulster continue to be well represented with the midfield duo of Jude Postlethwaite and Ben Carson, who are both in-line to make their starting debut for the Irish U20’s.

Leinster’s Jamie Osborne makes his third start at full-back, with Conor Rankin and Chay Mullins named on the wings. Munster’s Fearghail O’Donoghue and Jack Kelleher are set to make their appearances from the bench

With the Irish U20’s two year unbeaten streak now brought to an abrupt halt, Richie Murphy’s men will be hungry to finish the tournament on a positive. With little turn around time, this Irish U20’s squad will need to repair lineout, scrum and discipline issues which became apparent during their loss to England.

Nevertheless, this Irish squad can remain confident in their talents will be back on show again this Thursday against the Azzurri.