Last weekend's draw with England means Ireland realistically need a win if they are to progress to the knockout phase.
Westmeath's Ronan Foxe will be starting for Ireland's crucial World Rugby under-20 Championship meeting with Australia this morning.
It will be the Rahugh man's first appearance for the under-20 international side.
Having previously played for Tullamore RFC he now lines out for Old Belvedere.
Last weekend's draw with England means Ireland realistically need a win if they are to progress to the knockout phase.
Coach Richie Murphy has made four changes to his side, with Foxe, James Nicholson, Charlie Irvine and Brian Gleeson all introduced.
Buccaneers RFC's Harry West will start this morning on the bench.
Kick-off in Paarl is at 10am, Irish time.
It’s Match Day for our Ireland U20s in South Africa! 🙌#FutureIsGreen | @PwCIreland pic.twitter.com/Mow0Sj8UDF
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) June 29, 2023
The other game in Pool B kicks off at 6, and sees England face Fiji.
NHL: Offaly Face Limerick In Final League Game
Portlaoise Panthers Looking To Continue Good Form In Division One
Shane Lowry In Action In Florida This Week
NHL: Improving Each Week The Goal For Laois
Grainne Walsh Progresses At Strandja Memorial Tournament
Crunch Weekend For Midlands Sides In National Camogie League
James Gormley Named On Irish Squad For FIBA EuroBasket Qualifiers
Portlaoise Panthers Suffer Tough Defeat In Super League
CCFL: St Peter's Extend Their Advantage At Top Of Premier Division
NFL: Relegation Firmly On The Cards For Offaly
Laois "Devastated" By Defeat Despite Delivering "Manliness" - Justin McNulty
Westmeath Ladies Bag First Win Of League Season
Big Camogie Wins for Westmeath and Laois Over The Weekend
Fitzgerald "Relieved" After Squeaking Past Kerry
NHL: Galway Prove Too Strong For Offaly
Former Laois And Offaly GAA Manager Honoured By An Garda Síochána
Athlone Town Make It Two Wins From Two In First Division
Lee Fitzpatrick Scores Try For Ireland U20s In England
NFL: Westmeath Move Closer To Promotion
Shane Lowry Finishes Strong In California