Tom Wood and Will Wootton handed starts for Ireland U20s

Ireland boss Neil Doak has named his team to face France in the U20s Six Nations on Friday with a new half-back partnership of Will Wootton and Tom Wood.

The team are fourth in the table following defeats to Wales and England, and a win over Scotland.

Number 8 Éanna McCarthy is once again named to captain the side, while Daniel Green, Charlie Molony and Ciaran Mangan are named in the back-three, with Eoghan Smyth and Gene O'Leary Kareem selected in midfield.

Out-half Wood is the son of former Ireland and Lions hooker Keith, while Wootton is a younger brother of ex-Munster and Connacht wing Alex.

In the pack, Billy Bohan, Mikey Yarr and Alex Mullan start in the front row, with Mahon Ronan and Billy Corrigan in the engine room.

Michael Foy is at blindside flanker, Bobby Power at openside and captain McCarthy is at the back of the scrum.

On the bench, Henry Walker, Paddy Moore, Tom McAllister, Conor Kennelly and David Walsh provide the forward replacements, with backs Clark Logan, Sam Wisniewski and Connor Fahy completing the squad.

The game at Virgin Media Park is live on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player (from 7.35pm).

Ireland U20: Daniel Green; Charlie Molony, Gene O'Leary Kareem, Eoghan Smyth, Ciarán Mangan; Tom Wood, Will Wootton; Billy Bohan, Mikey Yarr, Alex Mullan; Mahon Ronan, Billy Corrigan; Michael Foy, Bobby Power, Éanna McCarthy (capt)

Replacements: Henry Walker, Paddy Moore, Tom McAllister, Conor Kennelly, David Walsh, Clark Logan, Sam Wisniewski, Connor Fahy.

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