Ireland make four changes for U20s clash with Australia

Ireland have made four changes for their World Rugby U20 Championship clash against Australia on Thursday (10am).

James Nicholson, Ronan Foxe, Charlie Irvine and Brian Gleeson come into the starting line-up from the team that drew 34-34 with England on Saturday.

Nicholson is named on the left wing as part of the Ireland back three with Henry McErlean and Andrew Osborne, with Hugh Gavin and John Devine forming the midfield partnership.

Sam Prendergast and Fintan Gunne continue in the half-backs for the Pool B clash in Paarl.

In the pack, Paddy McCarthy moves across the front row to loosehead prop, with captain Gus McCarthy at hooker and Foxe in line for his U20s debut at tighthead.

Irvine comes into the side to partner Conor O'Tighearnaigh in the second row, while James McNabney, Ruadhan Quinn and Gleeson make up the back row.

On the bench, Danny Sheahan, George Morris, Fiachna Barrett, Evan O'Connell and Diarmuid Mangan provide the forward options, with scrum-half Jack Oliver set to win his first U20s cap.

Harry West and Rory Telfer complete the match-day squad.

Australia, who opened their campaign with a 46-37 win over Fiji, have made 10 changes to their team with Mason Gordon, Jhy Legg, Lachlan Hooper, Darby Lancaster and David Vaihu retained.

Ireland head coach Richie Murphy said: "It has been a quick turnaround from Saturday but we were able to turn the page positively, and learn from our first outing of the tournament.

"We know the very nature of this World Rugby U20 Championship is that the big games come thick and fast and facing the Junior Wallabies is another huge test for our group. We're looking forward to the challenge."

Meanwhile, World Rugby confirmed that centre Hugh Cooney received a three-match ban for his red card