Wales U20 have named their side for the U20 RBS 6 Nations clash against France on Saturday evening.
The game is effectively a Grand Slam decider, both sides arrive at the game with two wins each, Wales having beaten Scotland and Ireland, while France have beaten Italy and Ireland. France currently sit at the top of the table though, thanks to points difference. The winner will therefore be the only side capable of winning the Grand Slam.
Head Coach Jason Strange has made three changes to the side that beat Scotland for this 19.45 kick off at Colwyn Bay’s Parc Eirias, bringing in George Gasson to make his U20 debut on the wing, with Billy McBryde, son of ex Wales hooker Robin, starting at fly half after his late penalty secured the win against Scotland last time out. Adam Beard meanwhile comes back into the side in the second row after being absent against Scotland due to commitments with the Ospreys.
Speaking ahead of the important clash, Strange said:
“The boys have taken a lot of confidence from the performances and results of the first two matches. Their hard work as a team paid off in coming back from behind to win both games.”
“We are very much looking forward to this crunch match with both teams undefeated to date in the tournament. We are starting to play well as a team, and it’s fantastic to see the individual progress of many of the players as a result of being exposed to this level of rugby.”
“It’s disappointing not to be able to select from full strength due to regional call-ups but once again, the situation give others the chance to show what they can do at this level. It’s important we get the best out of the players individually and collectively this weekend.”
“France will pose a huge challenge on Saturday night. They have a formidable pack, a good driving game and they have scored 74 points in their two matches to date so we will need to be bold and creative in order to overcome the challenge. The match will certainly be a step up from the last two games so it will be a test of the character of the side but that is what we want in order to develop the players and maximise their potential.”
“We are evolving our game continuously; we will continue to endeavour to play with adventure. We have taken a long term approach in terms of the development of the squad, and we are a long way from where we hope to be, come the World Rugby U20 Championship in June but there are already good signs that we are moving in the right direction.”
“We always have a fantastic welcome in Colwyn Bay and I’m sure the crowd will get behind the team again on Saturday night.”
Wales U20 v France U20 – Saturday 27th February, 19.45, Parc Eirias – Live on S4C
Wales U20
15 Rhun Williams (RGC); 14 George Gasson (Dragons), 13 Joe Thomas (Ospreys), 12 Harri Millard (Cardiff Blues), 11 Keelan Giles (Ospreys); 10 Billy McBryde (Scarlets), 9 Reuben Morgan-Williams (Ospreys); 1 Corey Domachowski (Cardiff Blues), 2 Dafydd Hughes (Scarlets), 3 Dillon Lewis (Cardiff Blues), 4 Shane Lewis-Hughes (Cardiff Blues), 5 Adam Beard (Ospreys), 6 Tom Phillips (captain, Scarlets), 7 Shaun Evans (Scarlets), 8 Harrison Keddie (Newport Gwent Dragons).
Replacements: 16 Ifan Phillips (Scarlets), 17 Rhys Fawcett (Scarlets), 18 Leon Brown (Newport Gwent Dragons), 19 Bryce Morgan (Newport Gwent Dragons), 20 Morgan Sieniawski (Cardiff Blues), 21 Declan Smith (Scarlets), 22 Kieran Williams (Ospreys), 23 Joe Gage (Ospreys).
