February 21 2007

England Under-20s unchanged for Irish clash

NIGEL REDMAN has named an unchanged England Under-20s starting line-up for Friday's clash against Ireland Under-20s in Athlone (7.30pm)

The same XV which started the 30-10 victory over Italy Under-21s at Bath a fortnight ago will run out at Dubarry Park as England go in search of a third victory in defence of their Under-21 Six Nations title.

There are three changes on the bench where Jack Forster - released back to Gloucester Rugby to cover front row for their match against  Worcester Warriors - is replaced by Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers), Richard Bolt  (Exeter Chiefs) takes over from the injured (knee) Tom Parker (London Irish) and Jordan Turner-Hall of NEC Harlequins comes in for Saracens' James Tirrell.

London Wasps fly-half Daniel Cipriani will not travel because of an ankle injury so Frankie Neale of Saracens retains his place on the bench.

Coach Redman said: "We have kept the changes to a minimum - we felt it was time for sticking with what we have and giving the lads another go."

Ireland, like England and the other Home Unions, have switched from Under-21s, England having won the Grand Slam last season and also in the 2003/04 season, to an Under-20s age grade, with France and Italy due to follow suit in 2008 in an Under-20s Six Nations Championship.

England Under-20s
15 David Doherty (London Wasps)
14 Ollie Dodge (Leicester Tigers)
13 Tom Youngs (Leicester Tigers)
12 Adam Powell (Saracens)
11 Selorm Kuadey (Sale Sharks)
10 Seb Jewell (NEC Harlequins)
9  Danny Care (capt, NEC Harlequins)
1  Charlie Beech (Northampton Saints)
2  Matt Mullan (Worcester Warriors)
3  Tom Mercey (Saracens)
4  Dave Attwood (Bristol Rugby)
5  Phil Hoy (Northampton Saints)
6  Alex Shaw (Leicester Tigers)
7  Chevvy Pennycook (Bristol Rugby)
8  David Tait (Sale Sharks)
Replacements
16 Tom Standfield (London Irish)
17 Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers)
18 Matt Cox (Worcester Warriors)
19 Hugo Ellis (London Wasps)
20 Richard Bolt (Exeter Chiefs)
21 Frankie Neale (Saracens)
22 Jordan Turner-Hall (NEC Harlequins)

For player biographies, rights free photography and interview opportunities please contact Dave Barton 07736 517610 davebarton@rfu.com

England Under-20s fixtures
Friday February 2 England U20s 31 Scotland U-20s 5, Recreation Ground, Bath
Friday February 9 England U20s 30 Italy U-21s 10, Bath, 8pm
Friday February 23 v Ireland U-20s Athlone, 7.30pm
Friday March 9 v France U-21s Northampton, 7.30pm (live on SkySports)
Friday March 16 v Wales U-20s Newport, 7.40pm