Tom Wood returns to the starting lineup for Ireland U20s for their must-win World Rugby Junior Championship clash against Argentina on Thursday.
The son of Munster legend Keith Wood comes in for Charlie O’Shea, who was a highlight during Ireland’s first-game defeat to England in Tbilisi. There’s a new centre partnership for the Pumas clash as Jack Deegan comes in and partners James O’Leary.
Charlie Molony and Noah Byrne keep their place in the back three, along with hat-trick hero Daniel Ryan, who was also in scintillating form in that defeat to England.
Pic: Roberto Bregani/Sportsfile
In the pack, there are two changes as Munster pair Joe Finn and Alex Latsou come in for Leinster duo Dylan McNiece and Ben Blaney, respectively.
The front row remains unchanged as Sam Bhisti captains the side from tighthead prop along with Rian Handley and Max Doyle. Then, Donnacha Maguire partners Finn at lock. Josh Neill and Diarmuid O’Connell keep their places in the back row, joined by Latsou.
McNiece, Blaney, along with Duinn Maguire, Adam Cooper and Blake McClean provide cover for the forwards on the bench, along with James O’Dwyer, Charlie O’Shea and Rob Carney.
Daniel Ryan of Ireland scores his third try. Pic: Tamuna Kulumbegashvili/Sportsfile
Last time out, Argentina hammered the USA 78-14 as they sit atop Pool C on points difference.
Ireland’s loss to England last time out makes Thursday’s match a must-win for Andrew Browne’s side if they are to compete for the top prize at the World Junior Championships.
Ireland U20s team to face Argentina in the World Rugby Junior Championship: Byrne; Molony, Deegan, O’Leary; Ryan; Wood, O’Dwyer; Doyle, Handley, Bhisti (c); Finn, Maguire; Neill, Latsou, O’Connell. Substitutes: D Maguire, Cooper, McClean, McNiece, Latsou, O’Dwyer, O’Shea, Carney
Our Ireland U20s team to face Argentina in Tbilisi on Thursday. pic.twitter.com/CaIDuFqU6L
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) June 30, 2026