Henry McErlean is only change as Ireland U20s name side for visit of France

Ireland U20s head coach Richie Murphy has named his side for Friday's Six Nations clash with France, with just one change from the team which dispatched Wales in Colwyn Bay last week.

Terenure full-back Henry McErlean, who made an impressive impact off the bench in the 44-27 victory, is elevated to the starting XV, replacing James Nicholson.

Otherwise, Ireland are unchanged as they venture to Musgrave Park to face the French, who edged Italy by a point on the opening weekend.

McErlean is joined in the back three by Clontarf's Hugh Cooney and Hugh Gavin of Galwegians.

Hooker Gus McCarthy once again captains Ireland from the front row alongside George Hadden and Paddy McCarthy.

Last week's Player of the Match Brian Gleeson is at number 8, flanked in the back row by James McNabney and Ruadhán Quinn.

Lansdowne's Sam Prendergast will once again steer the attack from out-half, joined by fellow Leinster player Fintan Gunne in the half-back pairing.

Head coach Murphy said: "We were pleased to open the Six Nations with a bonus point win away from home but we know there are areas of improvement for us heading into Friday night.

"We have put the head down in Cork this week and are hugely excited to get back to Musgrave Park and play in front of another big home crowd."

Ireland team (to play France): Henry McErlean (Terenure/Leinster); James Nicholson (UCD/Leinster), Hugh Cooney (Clontarf/Leinster), John Devine (Corinthians/Connacht), Hugh Gavin (Galwegians/Connacht); Sam Prendergast (Lansdowne/Leinster), Fintan Gunne (Terenure/Leinster); George Hadden (Clontarf/Leinster), Gus McCarthy (UCD/Leinster), Paddy McCarthy (DUFC/Leinster), Diarmuid Mangan (UCD/Leinster), Conor O'Tighearnaigh (UCD/Leinster), James McNabney (Ballymena/Ulster),