McNabney only change for Ireland U20s' final clash

James McNabney returns to the Ireland team for their World Rugby U20 Championship final against France as the only change to the side that beat South Africa.

The Ulster back row is back after serving a two-game ban for a dangerous tackle in the pool game against Australia.

His addition sees Diarmuid Mangan moving from the flank to the second row for the match-up at Athlone Stadium in Cape Town on Friday (6pm Irish time).

Henry McErlean, Andrew Osborne and James Nicholson continue in the back three, with John Devine and Hugh Gavin named in the Ireland midfield. Fintan Gunne and Sam Prendergast are the half-backs.

In the pack, Paddy McCarthy, captain Gus McCarthy and Ronan Foxe are in the front row, with Mangan joining Conor O'Tighearnaigh in the second row.

McNabney (above) joins Ruadhan Quinn and Brian Gleeson in the back row.

On the bench, Max Clein, George Hadden, Fiachna Barrett, Charlie Irvine and Evan O'Connell provide the reinforcements in the pack, while Oscar Cawley, Matty Lynch and Sam Berman complete the squad.

Murphy said: "The entire group are fully focused on producing our best performance of the season on Friday night because we know we'll need it against a very strong France team. We have made good progress throughout the tournament but we will need to fine-tune all areas of our game for the final.

"The players and staff are excited about the challenge ahead and we look forward to representing Ireland in the World Rugby U20 Championship final.

"The level of support we have received from back home throughout has been incredible and a major boost for everyone, and we will do everything to finish the season on the ultimate high."

Meanwhile, France have named an unchanged starting XV for the game from the side that