Despite Ireland Under 20 Coach Mike Ruddock making eight changes to the squad which beat Italy in the opening game of the U-20 6 Nations Championship for Friday's clash with France in Athlone. kick-off 7.45pm the three UCD starters retain their positions.

Try scorer James Tracy keeps his place at loose head prop, Andy Boyle, who had an outstanding game against Italy, is on the left wing and Alex  Kelly is in the centre.  Both David Doyle and Peter Du Toit will hope to get some game time from the bench.

The changes include five new faces in the starting XV and three new players in the replacements.

Michael Sherlock comes in at full back with Tiernan O'Halloran, a member of last year's squad named on the wing. Nathaniel McDonald comes in at centre to partner Alex Kelly.

A new look back row sees David Heffernan start at blindside with Aaron Conneely coming off the bench to openside and Jordi Murphy moving to No 8. David O'Mahony makes a start in the second row alongside local boy Daniel Qualter.

Shane Buckley, James McKinney and JJ Hanrahan are included on the bench.

Ireland U-20 v France U-20 - Dubarry Park, Athlone. Friday 11th February 2011, Kick-off 7.45pm.

15 - Michael Sherlock, 14 Tiernan O'Halloran, 13 Alex Kelly, 12 Nathaniel McDonald, 11 Andrew Boyle, 10 Patrick Jackson, 9 Blane McIlroy.

1 James Tracy, 2 Niall Annett, 3 Conor Carey, 4 David O'Mahony,
5 Daniel Qualter, 6 David Heffernan, 8 Jordi Murphy, 7 Aaron Conneely.

Replacements
16 - David Doyle, 17 Finlay Bealham, 18 Iain Henderson, 19 - Shane Buckley, 20 Peter Du Toit, 21 James McKinney, 22 JJ Hanrahan