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.