Half-back pairing Harry Byrne and Craig Casey are late withdrawals from the Ireland U20 team this evening, as the team prepare for their Grand Slam decider against Wales.
Noel McNamara's side travel to Colwyn's Bay hoping to secure their fifth win of the championship this evening. While they are already assured of the Six Nations title, they will be hoping to cap off a remarkable championship by securing Ireland's first U20 Grand Slam since the tournament changed from U21 in 2008.
They will now have to do that without their starting scrum half and fly half. They will be replaced in the side by Ben Healy and Cormac Foley in the starting line-up.
#U20SixNations
2 late changes to the Ireland U20 side to face Wales U20.
Craig Casey is replaced by Cormac Foley and Harry Byrne is replaced by Ben Healy in the starting line up.
Colm Reilly and Iwan Hughes come onto the bench.#FutureIsGreen #ShoulderToShoulder #WALvIRE pic.twitter.com/ObIqhzM8bR— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) March 15, 2019
Byrne missed out on the win over France last week due to a hip injury, while Casey was withdrawn during that game due to a knee injury. While the pair were named to start this evening's clash, neither have recovered in time.
This is will represent another opportunity for Ben Healy at fly half, who put in an excellent display in last week's win. Foley also has some experience in the starting line-up having deputised for Casey in the win over Scotland earlier in the Championship.
Ireland enter the game as favourites, and hopefully can get the job done tonight, even without two of their star players.
