Having beaten Wales in their previous home fixture, Scotland head to the last knockings of the championship in fifth place, level on points with an Italian team that despite having yet won, have picked up no fewer than five bonus points from consistently competitive performances.

Scotland have of course already tasted victory, their 18-17 win against Wales in round two providing a platform from which they can consider progression to come, especially in the upcoming World Rugby Under-20 Trophy in Kenya later in 2023.

In the here and now, though, Scotland welcome first an Irish squad who remain undefeated after three matches, mirroring their senior men’s side. They have added two try bonus points to boot and have scored more points than any other side (121) in this year’s championship.

Recent meetings between the sides have seen Irish dominance, with Scotland’s last win in the fixture coming in 2015, in a 17-10 success from a squad containing current full internationalists George Horne, Zander Fagerson, Scott Cummings, Rory Hutchinson and Magnus Bradbury.

Thoughts from the Head Coach, Kenny Murray: “All the boys knew that we didn’t reach the levels of performance that we had definitely reached against England away and then against Wales at home. We didn’t pretend that we had done that, we’ve been pretty honest as a group.

“They [Ireland] are definitely the best rugby playing side in the competition. They were a strong side last year and have already shown this year they’ve got a good balance in their team.

“It’s something to relish, the boys want to bounce back again after that France game so the only way to bounce back is to play a team who are equally as good as the one who beat them the week before.”

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR U20s

We sat down with a few of the current Scotland U20 squad to chat about their rugby journey so far, and what makes them tick away from the game. The next this series is Jake Parkinson, the second row who plays for Ealing Trailfinders and Brunel University.

Jake taking a moment to reflect as Scotland beat Wales at Scotstoun in February this year

Jake Parkinson – Second row

What do you like to do in your spare time?

In my spare time I like to DJ, I like photography as well.

What’s your first rugby memory?

My first rugby memory would be playing for Ermysted Grammar School in the Yorkshire youth final.

What has been your journey into the Scotland U20s and what was the turning point where you knew you had made it?

My turning point for playing Scotland U20s was when I was offered a contract by Ealing Trailfinders who spotted me when I went to university at Brunel.

What kind of player would you say you are?

I’d say I’m a vocal player, I like to lead by example and I like to get around the pitch with a lot of energy.

Who’s been the biggest influence in your rugby career?

I have to say my dad. My dad’s always been there to support me, he’s been there through all my games and he’s always been a great influence in my life.

 What’s your best rugby memory?

My favourite memory would be versus Cardiff in pre-season this year where we got the victory, that was a great bus ride back.

THE STATS

• Ireland (401) and Scotland (318) have made more carries than any other team in the U20 Six Nations this year; as a result Ireland have carried for the most metres (2287) while only France (72) have beaten more defenders than Scotland (57).
• Scotland have opted to kick from hand more often than any other team in the U20 Six Nations this year (83), gaining the most kicking metres in the process (2426), although it is Ireland who have the highest average kick distance (34m per kick).
• Scotland have conceded the fewest penalties of any team in the U20 Six Nations this year (31) and are the only side yet to be shown a card – every other team has received at least two; Ireland have conceded the second fewest penalties in the Championship in 2023 (32).
• Ireland’s Sam Prendergast is the top point scorer in the U20 Six Nations this year (49), slotting 20 of his 23 kicks at goal; he also joint-ranks second for try assists (3) and line break assists (3) in the Championship.
• Scotland’s Jake Parkinson has hit 75 attacking rucks in the U20 Six Nations this year, more than any other player, while Ireland’s Hugh Cooney (100%, 30/30) and Scotland’s Ruairaidh Hart (98%, 51/52) have the best attacking ruck effectiveness rates of the 49 players to hit 25+ rucks this campaign.

TEAM NEWS

Key messages

• Please note there is no public parking available at Scotstoun Stadium on match-day, where possible we recommend using public transport to get to and from the games.
• If you are being dropped off by car there is a dedicated Drop Off Zone, sign-posted on the left hand side as you enter the Stadium Campus. This space should be used for drop-offs and collections, rather than on the main road on Danes Drive.
• Scotstoun is located in a residential area, please respect our neighbours when arriving and leaving the stadium, and please be mindful of parking in the surrounding areas.
• Please note due to changes in local licensing, in addition to the usual restricted items no sealed (or unsealed) bottles of water or soft drinks up to 500ml will be permitted to be brought into the stadium on matchdays. This also includes refillable bottles which will not be allowed into the stadium.
• All bottles purchased at a catering unit will also require to be decanted into plastic tumblers moving forwards.

This evening’s match is available to watch live on BBC iPlayer, kick-off 7.15pm