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Ireland u20s 6 Nations and World Championahip 2020

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    #32
    Granny15
    Registered Users Posts: 1,129 ✭✭✭Granny15


    Andrew Smiths hattrick helped ireland U20 to a 43-27 over Munster development in Cork this afternoon. Only 5 weeks to the beginning of 6 Nations U20’s


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    #33
    The Lost Sheep
    Registered Users Posts: 14,967 ✭✭✭✭The Lost Sheep


    20s hoping to play Cork Con ahead of 6 nations which would be good test down in Musgrave

    Next training camp in fota January 20th


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    #34
    Scottmactom
    Closed Accounts Posts: 490 ✭✭Scottmactom


    Irish 20's forwards preview

    LH Prop
    Harry Noonan(Greystone RFC/Old Wesley)
    Marcus Hanan(Clane RFC/Old Belvedere)
    Mark Donnelly(CBC/Shannon) - u19

    Noonan likely to start first game, don't think there is much between him and Hanan be interested to see how both perform. Donnelly looks 3rd choice and may be called upon if theres injuries at the position.

    TH Prop
    Tom Clarkson(Blackrock/DUFC)
    Charlie Ward(Tullow RFC/Clontarf)
    Ryan McMahon(Clongowes/Old Belvedere)

    Clarkson returns and could captain side.. Was excellent last season as a u19 and will hope to continue that fork this season. Ward got a few caps last summer during the JWC and can cover both sides of scrum. McMahon is an impressive physical prospect but there I'd have concerns over his scrummaging and discipline.

    Hooker
    John McKee(Campbell/Old Belvedere)
    Bobby Sheehan(Clongowes/UCD)
    Tom Stewart(BRA/Ballynahinch) - u19

    Some concern around this position in regards to line out throwing, Stewart offers the most around the pitch and that could be the difference maker. McKee returns from last season and needs a big season. Sheehan impressed playing AIL last season for UCD as a 18 year old, built like his brother Dan if given an opportunity at this level may surprise.

    Lock
    Tom Ahern(Dungarvan RFC/Shannon)
    Brian Deeny(Wexford RFC/Clontarf)
    Eoin O'Connor(Waterpark RFC/Young Munster)
    Paddy Kelly(St. Munchins/Garryowen)
    Cian Prendergast(Newbridge/UCD)
    Cormac Izuchukwu(Roscrea/Old Wesley)
    Joe McCarthy(Blackrock/DUFC) - u19

    Ahern and Deeny both return after getting capped last summer during the RWC. Deeny could playing 6 but looks more likely to play 4 with Ahern at 5. Both are big athletic players who are a long way from filling out threir frames. O'Connor and Kelly are more physically developed but not as good athletes.. Interested to see who gets the bench spot between them first time up. Prendergast is a lock/blindside and this versatility could earn him a place on the bench. Izuchukwu is top tier athlete who has been playing 7's since last season, he played 13 in school and is very much a player in development at lock. Finally McCarthy is a player who emerged last season while playing for Blackrock, he almost immediately played AIL out of school and while it would be a surprise if he played during the 6 nations due to the depth at the position its only a matter of time before he gets 20s caps.

    Backrow
    David McCann(RBAI/Banbridge)
    Sean O'Brien(Blackrock/UCD)
    Mark Hernan(St. Michaels/Lansdowne)
    Anthony Ryan(Clongowes/DUFC)
    Josh Dunne(Exile/Galwegians)
    Lucas Culliton(Roscrea/???)
    Cian Hurley(CBC Cork/Garryowen)
    Alex Soroka(Belvedere/DUFC) - u19

    David McCann returns and the versatile backrow could line up at any of the three positions in the backrow, although I think he could feature at 8 early on. Sean O'Brien is a classic blindside but is capable of covering at 8 also.. Mark Hernan emerged last season captaining st. Micheal's to SCT glory he is a classic openside and while needing to bulkup could get the 1st shot at starting at 7. Anthony Ryan can cover all three backrow positions but looks like Hernans main competition at openside, Ryan is physically much larger than Hernan and this could be a factor when facing bigger packs. Josh Dunne is an exile who joined Connacht last season, he appears to be a classic number 8.. Culliton is an openside who while raw is apparently an excellent athlete. Cian Hurley is a 6/8 who looks more likely to feature at blindside for the 20s if selected. Finally Alex Soroka has played 2nd row, 6 and 8 this season and could feature for the 20s at 6 this season.


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    #35
    theVersatile
    Registered Users Posts: 1,914 ✭✭✭theVersatile


    English and Scottish 20s squads named.


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    #36
    The Lost Sheep
    Registered Users Posts: 14,967 ✭✭✭✭The Lost Sheep


    theVersatile wrote: »
    English and Scottish 20s squads named.
    have you a link to Scottish squad? English us below
    https://www.rugbypass.com/news/dickens-names-32-man-england-u20-eps


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    #37
    FellasFellas
    Registered Users Posts: 1,090 ✭✭✭FellasFellas


    Scottmactom wrote: »
    Irish 20's forwards preview

    LH Prop
    Harry Noonan(Greystone RFC/Old Wesley)
    Marcus Hanan(Clane RFC/Old Belvedere)
    Mark Donnelly(CBC/Shannon) - u19

    Noonan likely to start first game, don't think there is much between him and Hanan be interested to see how both perform. Donnelly looks 3rd choice and may be called upon if theres injuries at the position.

    TH Prop
    Tom Clarkson(Blackrock/DUFC)
    Charlie Ward(Tullow RFC/Clontarf)
    Ryan McMahon(Clongowes/Old Belvedere)

    Clarkson returns and could captain side.. Was excellent last season as a u19 and will hope to continue that fork this season. Ward got a few caps last summer during the JWC and can cover both sides of scrum. McMahon is an impressive physical prospect but there I'd have concerns over his scrummaging and discipline.

    Hooker
    John McKee(Campbell/Old Belvedere)
    Bobby Sheehan(Clongowes/UCD)
    Tom Stewart(BRA/Ballynahinch) - u19

    Some concern around this position in regards to line out throwing, Stewart offers the most around the pitch and that could be the difference maker. McKee returns from last season and needs a big season. Sheehan impressed playing AIL last season for UCD as a 18 year old, built like his brother Dan if given an opportunity at this level may surprise.

    Lock
    Tom Ahern(Dungarvan RFC/Shannon)
    Brian Deeny(Wexford RFC/Clontarf)
    Eoin O'Connor(Waterpark RFC/Young Munster)
    Paddy Kelly(St. Munchins/Garryowen)
    Cian Prendergast(Newbridge/UCD)
    Cormac Izuchukwu(Roscrea/Old Wesley)
    Joe McCarthy(Blackrock/DUFC) - u19

    Ahern and Deeny both return after getting capped last summer during the RWC. Deeny could playing 6 but looks more likely to play 4 with Ahern at 5. Both are big athletic players who are a long way from filling out threir frames. O'Connor and Kelly are more physically developed but not as good athletes.. Interested to see who gets the bench spot between them first time up. Prendergast is a lock/blindside and this versatility could earn him a place on the bench. Izuchukwu is top tier athlete who has been playing 7's since last season, he played 13 in school and is very much a player in development at lock. Finally McCarthy is a player who emerged last season while playing for Blackrock, he almost immediately played AIL out of school and while it would be a surprise if he played during the 6 nations due to the depth at the position its only a matter of time before he gets 20s caps.

    Backrow
    David McCann(RBAI/Banbridge)
    Sean O'Brien(Blackrock/UCD)
    Mark Hernan(St. Michaels/Lansdowne)
    Anthony Ryan(Clongowes/DUFC)
    Josh Dunne(Exile/Galwegians)
    Lucas Culliton(Roscrea/???)
    Cian Hurley(CBC Cork/Garryowen)
    Alex Soroka(Belvedere/DUFC) - u19

    David McCann returns and the versatile backrow could line up at any of the three positions in the backrow, although I think he could feature at 8 early on. Sean O'Brien is a classic blindside but is capable of covering at 8 also.. Mark Hernan emerged last season captaining st. Micheal's to SCT glory he is a classic openside and while needing to bulkup could get the 1st shot at starting at 7. Anthony Ryan can cover all three backrow positions but looks like Hernans main competition at openside, Ryan is physically much larger than Hernan and this could be a factor when facing bigger packs. Josh Dunne is an exile who joined Connacht last season, he appears to be a classic number 8.. Culliton is an openside who while raw is apparently an excellent athlete. Cian Hurley is a 6/8 who looks more likely to feature at blindside for the 20s if selected. Finally Alex Soroka has played 2nd row, 6 and 8 this season and could feature for the 20s at 6 this season.


    Great post.

    I'd agree about McMahon, cant see him getting any time in the side, he'd get destroyed in an international and is prone to losing the head.

    Culliton captained CCR last season as a loosehead lock, interesting to see him move to 7, wouldn't think he'd be the finished article there yet.


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    #38
    theVersatile
    Registered Users Posts: 1,914 ✭✭✭theVersatile


    The Lost Sheep wrote: »
    have you a link to Scottish squad? English us below
    https://www.rugbypass.com/news/dickens-names-32-man-england-u20-eps

    https://m.imgur.com/fBkyKwW

    Here you go Sheep. Can't find a text version which is slightly annoying - found the image on another site this morning. Any ideas about that FORSOC academy mentioned in the bottom left with the stars? Any names stand out in general?


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    #39
    Squidgy Black
    Registered Users Posts: 21,605 ✭✭✭✭Squidgy Black


    theVersatile wrote: »
    https://m.imgur.com/fBkyKwW

    Here you go Sheep. Can't find a text version which is slightly annoying - found the image on another site this morning. Any ideas about that FORSOC academy mentioned in the bottom left with the stars? Any names stand out in general?

    It's the Scottish rugby academy system.


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    #40
    Lucas44
    Registered Users Posts: 379 ✭✭Lucas44


    FellasFellas wrote: »
    Great post.

    I'd agree about McMahon, cant see him getting any time in the side, he'd get destroyed in an international and is prone to losing the head.

    Culliton captained CCR last season as a loosehead lock, interesting to see him move to 7, wouldn't think he'd be the finished article there yet.

    Wouldn’t be surprised if Charlie Ward starts loosehead and if Daniel okeke is involved would add considerable beef to the backrow


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    #41
    Scottmactom
    Closed Accounts Posts: 490 ✭✭Scottmactom


    Lucas44 wrote: »
    Wouldn’t be surprised if Charlie Ward starts loosehead and if Daniel okeke is involved would add considerable beef to the backrow

    Okeke has a load to work on to make next year's 20s side.. Very much a project and not involved with the wider 20s squad.

    Can't see Ward playing LH unless injury or Noonan/Hanan struggle in the scrum massively to lock down scrum.


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    #42
    Scottmactom
    Closed Accounts Posts: 490 ✭✭Scottmactom


    Scrumhalf
    Lewis Finlay(Down HS/Malone)
    Conor McKee(Sullivan/Queens) - u19
    Ben Murphy(Pres Bray/Clontarf) - u19

    A lot of question marks at this position it appears Finlay looks to be 1st choice at the moment but how highly he is rated seems to be anyone's guess. Below that McKee and Murphy were the top two scrum halves on last year's Ireland u18 side. Both have played some AIL and currently look to be competing for the bench spot behind finlay.

    Outhalf
    Jack Crowley(Bandon/Cork Con)
    Tim Corkery(Kilkenny RFC/UCD) - u19
    Cathal Forde(Corinthians) - u19

    Crowley is clearly the 1st choice here and will be a key player for the 20s to be successful. Meanwhile Tim Corkery and Cathal Forde both are involved in the 20s squad which would have been considered a surprise at the start of the season. Corkery especially has came from nowhere this season, first leading Leinster u19 to interpro success and then appearing for Leinster A in the Celtic Cup. Two seasons ago the starting 10s for Ireland u18 were Paddy McKenzie and Dylan Prendergast neither of whom seem to have made step up outside of schools rugby. Cathal Forde was involved in the 2nd Ireland u18 side last season and it will be interesting to see if he or Corkery are the sub 10 first game up.

    Centre
    Hayden Hyde(Exile/Ballynahinch)
    Luis Faria(Wanderers/DUFC)
    Harry O'Riordan(CBC Cork/UCC) - u19
    Shane Jennings(Garbally/Ballinasloe) - u19
    Ben Moxham(Ballymena) - u19

    An interesting mix of players Here, Hyde looks to be a key player who will line up at 12 and Ireland will rely on heavily in midfield. After him it's a matter of who fits best next to him at 13. Jennings is a minor GAA star who Connacht have managed to get away from Galway hurling.. He is raw but an excellent athlete. I don't know much about Moxham, who has came through the Ulster club scene. Faria came through the Leinster club game and while not a big name has consistently been picked at 13 for Leinster underage sides. Finally O'Riordan may be in pole position for the 13 spot, he featured their last season for Ireland u18 and it will be interesting to see how he goes if given the nod first game up.

    Back Three
    Max O'Reilly(St. Gerards/DUFC)
    Andrew Smith(St. Michaels/Clontarf)
    Niall Comerford(Blackrock/UCD)
    Ethan McIlroy(Methody/Queens)
    Oran McNulty(Exile/Corinthians)
    Diarmuid Kilgallen(Roscrea/Galwegians)
    Josh O'Connor(Wexford/UCD) - u19
    Conor Rankin(Campbell/Ballynahinch) - u19

    Max O'Reilly returns from last years JWC but isn't assured of a starting position in this back three. A more natural 15 he looks to be competing again McNulty and Rankin for that position with McNulty looking favourite to win out. On the wings it looks likely it will be Smith and McIlroy who both look to be in good form and are highly rated within their respective provinces. Comerford, Kilgallen and O'Connor are primarily wingers and it will be interesting to see who will be called upon first if required. Should mention Aaron Sexton will likely be missing due to Irish 7's duty.


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    #43
    FellasFellas
    Registered Users Posts: 1,090 ✭✭✭FellasFellas


    Lucas44 wrote: »
    Wouldn’t be surprised if Charlie Ward starts loosehead and if Daniel okeke is involved would add considerable beef to the backrow

    Okeke is really not great, saw him for U19 this summer gone and while he can do great things in attack, he goes missing in games and his workrate and skillset is nowhere near 20's standard.


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    #44
    Lucas44
    Registered Users Posts: 379 ✭✭Lucas44


    FellasFellas wrote: »
    Okeke is really not great, saw him for U19 this summer gone and while he can do great things in attack, he goes missing in games and his workrate and skillset is nowhere near 20's standard.

    Is currently training with the munster seniors after featuring for their development team vs Ireland 20s so must be doing something right, Oisín McCormack from garbally could well be the starting 7 come jwc, missed all of summer up until Christmas out with injury but was very good for Irish schools last year and was an injury reserve for last years jwc as an u18 sixth year


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    #45
    theVersatile
    Registered Users Posts: 1,914 ✭✭✭theVersatile


    Lucas44 wrote: »
    and was an injury reserve for last years jwc as an u18 sixth year

    I find this unlikely considering the JWC runs throughout the Leaving Certificate. If he was 5th year (like Alex Kendellan was say for example) that would make sense.


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    #46
    The Lost Sheep
    Registered Users Posts: 14,967 ✭✭✭✭The Lost Sheep


    Some highlights from Munster game
    https://www.munsterrugby.ie/domestic_news/highlights-munster-a-development-v-ireland-u20s


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    #47
    Lucas44
    Registered Users Posts: 379 ✭✭Lucas44


    theVersatile wrote: »
    I find this unlikely considering the JWC runs throughout the Leaving Certificate. If he was 5th year (like Alex Kendellan was say for example) that would make sense.

    Not st all unlikely Craig Casey travelled the year he did his leaving cert to Georgia to accelerate his development.. not to mention players from years before did their exams during the jwc, Nathan doak looks to be in camp with 20s atm, in the video put up on Instagram there


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    #48
    The Lost Sheep
    Registered Users Posts: 14,967 ✭✭✭✭The Lost Sheep


    Lucas44 wrote: »
    Is currently training with the munster seniors after featuring for their development team vs Ireland 20s so must be doing something right, Oisín McCormack from garbally could well be the starting 7 come jwc, missed all of summer up until Christmas out with injury but was very good for Irish schools last year and was an injury reserve for last years jwc as an u18 sixth year
    did he actually travel though.
    Really shouldn't be impacting LC.. pick u18s if not involved in exams.
    McCormack is Ballinasloe rfc as much as school... they play as much in club as the school.


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    #49
    Hands Like Flippers
    Registered Users Posts: 569 ✭✭✭Hands Like Flippers


    Lucas44 wrote: »
    Not st all unlikely Craig Casey travelled the year he did his leaving cert to Georgia to accelerate his development.. not to mention players from years before did their exams during the jwc, Nathan doak looks to be in camp with 20s atm, in the video put up on Instagram there

    You sure its Doak u19? Looked like McKee u19 and Finlay u20 to me.


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    #50
    Scottmactom
    Closed Accounts Posts: 490 ✭✭Scottmactom


    Doaks not involved.

    Scrumhalves in at the moment are Finlay, Murphy and McKee.


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    #51
    Lucas44
    Registered Users Posts: 379 ✭✭Lucas44


    Hands Like Flippers wrote: »
    You sure its Doak u19? Looked like McKee u19 and Finlay u20 to me.

    Look at the start of the video during the meeting, he didn’t train but was in camp


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    #52
    Hands Like Flippers
    Registered Users Posts: 569 ✭✭✭Hands Like Flippers


    Lucas44 wrote: »
    Look at the start of the video during the meeting, he didn’t train but was in camp

    Yes, agreed. I viewed a different video yesterday. If 3 x SH there I wonder was it at 10 as he played u18 school at OH I think.


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    #53
    Lucas44
    Registered Users Posts: 379 ✭✭Lucas44


    Hands Like Flippers wrote: »
    Yes, agreed. I viewed a different video yesterday. If 3 x SH there I wonder was it at 10 as he played u18 school at OH I think.

    Not a bad shout there very light at 10 considering Cathal Forde is back up to Crowley, a player that was behind doak for 18s last year and hasn’t broken into the corinthians rfc first team.. hopefully Crowley can stay fit, looks the real deal


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    #54
    Scottmactom
    Closed Accounts Posts: 490 ✭✭Scottmactom


    He is still in school he won't be backing anyone up during the 6 nations


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    #55
    Lucas44
    Registered Users Posts: 379 ✭✭Lucas44


    Scottmactom wrote: »
    He is still in school he won't be backing anyone up during the 6 nations

    All the other countries select players that are still in school only a matter of time before we do too


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    #56
    alanb92
    Registered Users Posts: 69 ✭✭alanb92


    Is there any chance Alex Kendellen will be involved in this campaign? He was the standout forward in last year's under 18 side.


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    #57
    The Lost Sheep
    Registered Users Posts: 14,967 ✭✭✭✭The Lost Sheep


    Lucas44 wrote: »
    All the other countries select players that are still in school only a matter of time before we do too
    any that are in school elsewhere will have proper connections to pro set ups which isnt the case here. It isnt going to happen here any time soon
    alanb92 wrote: »
    Is there any chance Alex Kendellen will be involved in this campaign? He was the standout forward in last year's under 18 side.
    still in school so wont. Will likely play 19s


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    #58
    Hands Like Flippers
    Registered Users Posts: 569 ✭✭✭Hands Like Flippers


    alanb92 wrote: »
    Is there any chance Alex Kendellen will be involved in this campaign? He was the standout forward in last year's under 18 side.

    Which is probably why his up and under in his own 22 straight to the French 15 who scored wasn't a great idea.

    He played two years of schools didn't he? How often does that happen?


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    #59
    alanb92
    Registered Users Posts: 69 ✭✭alanb92


    The Lost Sheep wrote: »
    still in school so wont. Will likely play 19s

    Cheers. Didn’t realise he was that young, serious prospect.


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    #60
    alanb92
    Registered Users Posts: 69 ✭✭alanb92


    Hands Like Flippers wrote: »
    Which is probably why his up and under in his own 22 straight to the French 15 who scored wasn't a great idea.

    He played two years of schools didn't he? How often does that happen?

    He played in that u18 tournament the past 2 years. Karl Martin has done the same, the Leinster centre. He was the pick of the backs for me in last season’s tournament. I think he might well be eligible again this year too. The first year he played he had not long turned 16. Made his Leinster U18 clubs debut as a 15 year old too.


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    #61
    alanb92
    Registered Users Posts: 69 ✭✭alanb92


    Is it expected that Aaron Sexton will be back playing 15’s full-time next season? Shame he won’t play for the 20’s this year, although I’m sure he’ll learn a lot from his 7’s experience.


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