News Bites

Scotland U20 Squad Stands Firm for Ireland Clash

By Paisley Welsh
February 7, 2025

The Scotland U20 team has announced an unchanged starting lineup for their upcoming Six Nations match against Ireland, showing continuity as they prepare for a crucial test at Hive Stadium.

Having shown resilience and determination against Italy, they are set to face a formidable Irish side, with the game scheduled for a 7:45 PM kick-off on Saturday, at Edinburgh’s Hive Stadium. The match will be broadcast live on BBC iPlayer, providing fans with a chance to rally behind the future stars of Scottish rugby.

The squad, led by head coach Kenny Murray, will retain the same starting fifteen that took to the field against Italy in last weekend. This decision underscores a strategy of maintaining team cohesion and leveraging the momentum from their last performance. The only change comes on the bench, where Edinburgh Rugby prop Jamie Stewart joins the replacements, adding more versatility of the squad.

The front row will again see Oliver McKenna at loosehead, Ollie Blyth-Lafferty at tighthead, and Joe Roberts at hooker, a trio that has been pivotal in the team’s scrummaging efforts. In the second row, Dan Halkon and Charlie Moss will continue their partnership, bringing their physicality and lineout prowess to the fore. The back row, featuring Christian Lindsay, Billy Allen, and Reuben Logan, is set to bring dynamism and defensive solidity to the encounter.

In the backs, the half-back pairing of Noah Cowan at scrum-half and Matthew Urwin at fly-half will look to control the game’s tempo and direction. Captain Johnny Ventisei, along with Kerr Yule at the centers, will be crucial in both defense and attack, aiming to exploit any gaps in the Irish defense. On the wings, Fergus Watson and Guy Rogers are expected to provide speed, with Jack Brown at fullback offering a safe pair of hands and an attacking threat.

The atmosphere at Hive Stadium is expected to be outstanding, with fans eager to see how this young Scottish team stacks up against one of the competition’s heavyweights. The continuity in selection will likely foster a sense of unity, key in such a high-stakes match. Let’s rally behind our young Scots as they aim to make their mark in this year’s Six Nations!