Alongside the trio who played in last year’s final, 16 of matchday 23 featured in final Six Nations clash with Scotland
in Cork a handful of months ago. It took a spectacular solo score in the corner from barrelling backrow Sean Edogbo — the latest prospect off that family’s production line after his older bother, Munster lock Edwin — to hand Ireland a dramatic, one-point victory.
This is perhaps why Ireland have opted for the centre pairing they have, a more lightweight and nimble combination than what was seen during the Six Nations. Hugh Gavin, the Connacht battering ram and arguably Ireland’s best player during that campaign, drops to the bench. Sam Berman, the Ulster-bound Terenure man, starts at 12 for his first under-20s appearance since last year’s World Championship final. Finn Treacy brings his winger’s pace from the back three to outside centre.
One of Ireland’s few weaknesses in recent months has been the scrum — particularly late on in a dramatic draw with England. Chopping and changing personnel was the MO for finding a solution in the Six Nations. First crack at it this time around goes to Ulster’s Jacob Boyd — who has shifted from tighthead to loosehead — Munster’s Danny Sheahan and Sale’s Patreece Bell.
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