Athlone ready for England clash

Ireland play England in a vital ESB U-20 Six Nations rugby championship match at Dubarry Park, Athlone - in what is likely to be the decisive game in this year"s championship. Not only does this promise to be a thrilling and exciting clash with the 'old enemy' but it may well also be the pivotal fixture as it pairs the only two unbeaten sides in the competition. England are strongly tipped to retain the crown they won last season but Ireland, fielding a much stronger squad this term than last year, will be hoping to again overcome England at the Athlone venue where they have lost just once in four seasons. They have decent victories in their opening games, winning 29-23 away to Italy after overcoming France 9-6 in their opening games in Athlone. The French test may not have been as expansive as hoped for but two physical and evenly-matched squads slugged it out toe to toe until Ireland grabbed a late, late victory courtesy of Ian Madigan"s penalty. They then had that bit too much élan to account for a dogged Italy, who gave England a much closer run than the 17-0 win for the holders indicates. England then defeated Wales 28-16 in the second series, setting up Friday"s clash of the only two countries still sporting 100 per cent winning records this season. England have a fairly settled pack, led by backrower Calum Clark, who captains the team. They have tinkered with their backline where they seem spoiled for choice. Two young Newcastle Falcons players Rory Clegg and Rob Miller (surely benefiting from the tutelage of Jonny Wilkinson) have shared the out-half duties while scrum-half Ben Youngs is a tremendously exciting player. The Leicester Tigers half-back has hugely promising potential and is certainly one to keep an eye on for the future as is wing Seb Stegmann of Harlequins. Centres Luke Eves and Henry Trinder are classy operators too. Consequently, Ireland will need to be at their competitive and focused best. However, they look well equipped for the challenge and can boast a physical pack that, if disciplined, can match the best. Cork Constitution"s Peter O"Mahony is another fine backrow skipper. Lansdowne"s Dominic Ryan looks a good prospect at wing-forward and UCD lock Mark Flanagan from Mullingar is an imposing presence in the second row. Garryowen pair Andrew Burke and Conor Murray struggled to dictate matters at halfback against France but Blackrock College player Madigan may be switched here to better effect while UCD"s Ian McKinley could also operate at standoff. The powerful Eamonn Sheridan is a smashing centre and fellow-Lansdowne player David Kearney can (like elder brother Rob) perform comfortably on the wing or at full-back as can Buccaneers" John O"Brien, who hopes to make the match squad for this mouth-watering tie. England Rugby Football Union"s Director of Elite Rugby, Rob Andrew, MBE, is guest speaker at the pre-match function which is already a sell-out. The fly-half played 71 times for England, whom he also captained on a number of occasions, and he also has 5 Lions appearances. Andrew appeared in three World Cups and was his country"s leading points scorer until surpassed by his discovery Jonny Wilkinson. TICKETS Tickets are on sale at The Bounty (Dubarry Park), Musicworld (Golden Island) and Keenan Sports outlets in Athlone, and also available at Noel Mannion Sports in Ballinasloe and Harten"s Newsagents, Moate. Stand tickets are on sale only from Dubarry Park and supporters should purchase these in advance as it looks as if the Stand will be sold out by match day. Family tickets are excellent value at just €30 for 2 adults and 2 children. The club can be contacted at 087-1732711 or by email rugby@dubarrypark.com. Supporters who are coming along on the night are reminded that cash will also be taken at the turnstiles on match night. However, supporters are urged to come along early - and to note the early kick-off time of 6.15pm. There will be musical entertainment from 5.45pm and also at half-time, when tag rugby will also be played.