Lorcan Dow and Ireland Under-20s determined to finish on a high

There is a quiet resolution within the Ireland squad ahead of Friday night's final Under-20 Six Nations Championship match against Scotland at Netherdale.

Consecutive defeats to England and Wales have punctured the momentum of victories against Italy and France, leaving a legacy of frustration and disappointment. The collective performance in Wales was appreciably off-colour.

Ireland number eight, Lorcan Dow, admitted: “I think it was disappointing to lose in the fashion that we did, compounding errors with more errors. We have had a hard, long look at it, analysed it; we have had training sessions to get through it, and park it.

“We are looking forward to Scotland to right those wrongs, even more so with one eye on the World Cup to get some momentum moving into there . . .

“It’s about wearing the Irish jersey and playing to the best of your ability. If you don’t there will be someone behind you willing to do it. We’re ready to move on and restore some pride into that jersey.”

Ireland coach Nigel Carolan has made three changes in personnel and two positional switches for the Scottish match. David O’Connor and Alex Thompson are restored to the second row while Josh Murphy reverts to his more familiar position of blindside flanker and Nick Timoney moves to openside.

Impressive teenager Conan O’Donnell gets the chance to start at tighthead prop.

The backline remains intact while UCD’s Jack Dwan has been named in the match 23 for the first time in the championship.