Keith Wood's son to start for Ireland in the Six Nations this weekend
Yesterday at 01:44 PM
Tom Wood, the son of Ireland rugby legend Keith Wood, is set to take centre stage as Ireland U20s' starting fly-half for their Six Nations clash against France this Friday at Virgin Media Park in Cork (kick-off, 8pm).
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Wood, who made his debut off the bench against Wales, gets the nod at No.10, forming a new half-back pairing with Sale Sharks scrum-half Will Wootton. Ireland are looking to bounce back after their defeat at Rodney Parade last time out.
In the backline, Daniel Green, Charlie Molony, and Ciarán Mangan make up the back three, while Eoghan Smyth and Gene O'Leary Kareem slot into the midfield.
Up front, Billy Bohan, Mikey Yarr, and Alex Mullan start in the front row, with Mahon Ronan and Billy Corrigan locking down the engine room. Michael Foy, Bobby Power, and captain Éanna McCarthy complete the back row.
IRELAND U20s XV vs FRANCE
Backs:
15. Daniel Green (Queen's University Belfast RFC/Ulster)
14. Charlie Molony (UCD RFC/Leinster)
13. Gene O'Leary Kareem (UCC RFC/Munster)
12. Eoghan Smyth (Cork Constitution FC/Munster)
11. Ciarán Mangan (Blackrock College RFC/Leinster)
10. Tom Wood (Garryowen FC/Munster)
9. Will Wootton (Sale Sharks/IQ Rugby)
Forwards:
- Billy Bohan (Galway Corinthians RFC/Connacht)
- Mikey Yarr (UCD RFC/Leinster)
- Alex Mullan (Blackrock College RFC/Leinster)
- Mahon Ronan (Old Wesley RFC/Leinster)
- Billy Corrigan (Old Wesley RFC/Leinster)
- Michael Foy (UCC RFC/Munster)
- Bobby Power (Galwegians RFC/Connacht)
- Éanna McCarthy (Galwegians RFC/Connacht) (captain)
Replacements:
- Henry Walker (Queen's University Belfast RFC/Ulster)
- Paddy Moore (Blackrock College RFC/Leinster)
- Tom McAllister (Ballynahinch RFC/Ulster)
- Conor Kennelly (Highfield RFC/Munster)
- David Walsh (Terenure College RFC/Leinster)
- Clark Logan (Queen's University Belfast RFC/Ulster)
- Sam Wisniewski (Old Belvedere RFC/Leinster)
- Connor Fahy (Clontarf FC/Leinster)
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Bookies Predict the Lions XV to Face Australia – Two England Players Start
Bookmakers have released their predictions for the British & Irish Lions’ starting XV to face Australia in the 2025 tour, highlighting a squad dominated by Irish talent and featuring only one English starter.
The anticipated lineup, along with the latest odds for each position, is as follows:
Forwards
1. Andrew Porter (Ireland) – 1/2
A converted loosehead prop who started his career as a tighthead, Porter is a cornerstone of Ireland's pack with his powerful scrummaging and relentless work rate around the pitch.
2. Dan Sheehan (Ireland) – 3/10
One of the most dynamic hookers in world rugby, Sheehan offers explosive ball-carrying ability and strong set-piece play. He has become a key figure in Ireland's recent successes.
3. Tadhg Furlong (Ireland) – 8/13
Arguably the best tighthead prop in the game, Furlong is known for his scrummaging dominance and remarkable skills in open play, often moving like a back despite his size.
4. Maro Itoje (England) – 1/5
The only Englishman in the starting XV, Itoje is a world-class lock with exceptional athleticism, lineout expertise, and a knack for disrupting opposition attacks. A Lions veteran, he'll be vital for the tour.
5. Joe McCarthy (Ireland) – 1/2
A rising star in Irish rugby, McCarthy has made a huge impact with his physicality and work rate in Leinster's second row. He's quickly becoming a dominant force in European rugby.
6. Josh van der Flier (Ireland) – 1/3
The 2022 World Player of the Year, Van der Flier is an outstanding openside flanker with relentless tackling, breakdown skills, and an ability to pop up in crucial moments.
7. Ben Earl (England) – 4/9
England's standout forward in recent tournaments, Earl's dynamic ball-carrying, high work rate, and speed make him a perfect fit for the Lions' back row.
8. Caelan Doris (Ireland) – 1/4
One of the best No.8s in world rugby, Doris combines intelligence, strength, and leadership. His ball-carrying ability and defensive prowess make him an essential selection.
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