Official RBS 6 Nations Rugby : Ruddock wants consistency despite changes

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The Ireland Under-20s head coach has made a number of changes to the side that defeated France 13-12 last time out

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Ruddock wants consistency despite changes

22 February 2012, 3:40 pm

By Sportsbeat

Mike Ruddock may have opted to shuffle his pack this week but the Ireland Under-20s head coach is expecting a consistency of performance when his side welcome Italy Under-20s to Dubarry Park on Friday.

Despite winning two from two in this year’s RBS 6 Nations Under-20 Championship, including an impressive 13-12 win in France last time out, Ruddock has made a number of changes for the Italian clash.

Tadgh Beirne makes his first start of the season to partner Iain Henderson in the second row with a new look back row seeing Jordan Coghlan partner Conor Gilsenan and Jack Conan.

Changes to the backs see try-scoring hero in France Foster Horan named on the wing with Kieran Marmion returning to the scrum-half position.

And Ruddock admits that, despite the changes in personnel, his troops will look to build on their previous showings against a dangerous Italian outfit.

“We are looking forward to this week’s test and in particular looking forward to backing up our two previous displays,” he said.

“We achieved victory in our last two games because we have outworked the opposition and expect the same this week along with a quality display of skills.”

Ireland Under-20s to face Italy
15. Shane Layden
14. Conor Finn
13. Chris Farrell
12. JJ Hanrahan
11. Foster Horan
10. Paddy Jackson
9. Kieran Marmion
1. Kyle McCall
2. Niall Scannell
3. Peter Reilly
4. Tadgh Beirne
5. Iain Henderson
6. Jordan Coghlan
7. Conor Gilsenan
8. Jack Conan

Replacements:
16. James Rael
17. Des Merrey
18. Jake Cawley
19. Daniel Qualter
20. Aaron Conneely
21. Luke McGrath
22. Cathal Marsh
23. Stuart Olding