Under-20s Six Nations: Morgan Morse rested for Wales trip to face Ireland

Morgan Morse has made eight Ospreys appearances so far this season

Ospreys number eight Morgan Morse will be rested for Wales Under-20s' Six Nations trip to face Ireland in Cork.

Morse started the first two games of the tournament but Cardiff's Lucas de la Rua will switch from flanker to number eight against Ireland as head coach Richard Whiffin makes three personnel changes.

Dragons lock Nick Thomas starts with Osian Thomas switching to flanker.

Props Josh Morse and Sam Scott are handed their first starts.

The Wales backline remains unchanged for a third game.

Morgan Morse, who scored a try in the opening win against Scotland and featured in the defeat to England, has played eight games for Ospreys this season.

"Looking at what is best for Morgan's long-term development along with the high volume of rugby he has already played this season, we have planned, along with the Ospreys, for him to have a break," said Whiffin.

"This will enable him the best opportunity to be in peak condition to perform for both us and the Ospreys for the remainder of season and into the summer."

Defending Grand Slam champions Ireland suffered a fright against Italy before squeezing home 23-22 in their last game.

"They have an all-court game, they move the ball outstandingly well and threaten you with the ball as well as having a good kicking game," said Whiffin.

"They also possess a good aerial threat and set-piece-wise you can't switch off. They will cause us problems all across the field but that is nothing that we aren't ready for and we're looking forward to going up against them.

"Italy got under Ireland's skin a little bit and rattled them and forced them into changing how they played."

The last time Ireland lost on home soil at this level was when they were beaten 41-38 by Wales at Donnybrook in 2018.

"We showed a lot of clips in our review against England where we created good opportunities, but we need to be a little more clinical on finishing them," said Whiffin.

"It would be awesome to come away with a win.

"The boys have been confident going into the two previous games and we'll be confident going into the Ireland game.

"We know we can threaten teams and put them under pressure. It's just the ability to do it for the full 80 and it would be great to get a scalp over in Ireland."

Ireland Under-20s: Ben O'Connor (Munster); Finn Treacy (Connacht), Wilhelm de Klerk (Leinster), Hugh Gavin (Connacht), Hugo McLaughlin (Leinster); Jack Murphy (Leinster), Oliver Coffey (Leinster); Ben Howard (Leinster), Henry Walker (Ulster), Patreece Bell (Sale Sharks), Joe Hopes (Ulster), Evan O'Connell (Munster, capt), Sean Edogbo (Munster), Bryn Ward (Ulster), Luke Murphy (Munster).

Replacements: Danny Sheahan (Munster), Alex Usanov (Leinster), Jacob Boyd (Ulster), Billy Corrigan (Leinster), Tom Brigg (Ulster), Tadhg Brophy (Leinster), Sean Naughton (Connacht), Davy Colbert (Leinster).

Wales Under-20s: Huw Anderson (Dragons); Harry Rees-Weldon (Dragons), Louie Hennessey (Bath), Harri Ackerman (Dragons, capt), Walker Price (Dragons); Harri Wilde (Cardiff), Ieuan Davies (Bath); Josh Morse (Scarlets), Harry Thomas (Scarlets), Sam Scott (Midlands Central), Jonny Green (Harlequins), Nick Thomas (Dragons), Osian Thomas (Leicester Tigers), Harry Beddall (Leicester Tigers), Lucas de la Rua (Cardiff).

Replacements: Will Austin (Sale Sharks), Jordan Morris (Dragons), Kian Hire (Ospreys), Owen Conquer (Ebbw Vale), Will Plessis (Scarlets), Rhodri Lewis (Ospreys), Harri Ford (RGC), Macs Page (Scarlets).