Schools View On Playing For Wales

www.wru.co.uk caught up with one of the Wales Schools players, Brynteg Comprehensive prop Lloyd Williams-Jones, to get an insight into their game and their international season.

At only 16, Lloyd still has another season to go in the Under 18 schools set-up and has his sights firmly fixed on more honours. He won his first cap at this age group in the win over Italy Under 18 in Livorno earlier this month.

HOW DID THE WELSH SCHOOLS GET ON IN ITALY?

We won the game 26-16 in a hard fought battle. That victory followed a narrow defeat at Murrayfield against the Scotland Under 19 side. The good thing was we beat them with four tries to one.

WERE THE ITALIANS A DIFFICULT SIDE TO PLAY AGAINST?

It was the first time the Welsh Schools U18s had played against the Italian U18s and we did not know what to expect from them. We had only one aim in mind – to win away from home. We expected an oversized pack and that is certainly what we got! The Italians played with tremendous heart and passion in front of their home crowd, which contained hundreds of children from the nearby school. Their backs ran hard and their forwards rucked well, spoiling some of our attacking plays. Overall, the Italians were a much better outfit than we had anticipated and we were pleased to emerge victorious with those four tries.

WHAT ARE YOU EXPECTING AGAINST THE FRENCH?

The French are renowned for their fast running rugby and the physicality of their forward game. Taking this into account, we expect nothing less than another very difficult challenge at Caerphilly. The French are more likely to be forward orientated than the Italians and will look to punch holes in our defence with heavy runners. Their set play will be strong and our defensive organisation will have to be up to scratch. It is not going to be an easy night for us, but we will be ready to meet the challenge head-on.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOUNG PLAYERS TO REPRESENT THEIR COUNTRY?

From a personal point of view, it is one of the greatest honours that a young person can achieve pulling on the red shirt of Wales. My father had the honour of playing for Wales and it has always been my dream to emulate his achievements. There is no greater accolade than knowing you are representing your home land. Even at our level, the players all gel together and performance increases knowing that we are playing for Wales and representing our families, friends and country. It is an honour that should never be taken for granted. Indeed, it is something we all cherish.

WHERE IS THE GAME ON FRIDAY NIGHT AND WHAT SORT OF TEAM DOES WALES HAVE?

The game on Friday night against France is taking place at Virginia Park, Caerphilly at 7.15pm. Wales have a large side out will be looking to do damage in the pack and disrupt the French in the set pieces. A menacing back row has been picked to turn-over ball and put pressure on the French half-backs. Wales have picked pace out wide and the game plan is to try and dominate up front, sucking in the French, then spreading the ball wide to use the pace on the wings. It promises to be a lively, entertaining night of rugby.

WHO ARE THE STRONGEST TEAMS AT THIS AGE GROUP AND WHY?

The three main teams to watch in this age group are France, England and Ireland. The English have some very nimble backs who combine with a typically powerful set of forwards. The Irish always play with passion and use a hard running game to disrupt their opponents. We will have to stay focussed if we are to achieve victory over all three nations.

WHAT OTHER FIXTURES DO THE WELSH TEAM HAVE?

Other fixtures this season include facing Ireland in Dublin, England in Leicester and the Welsh Youth at The Gnoll.

WHAT ARE YOUR AMBITIONS FOR THE FUTURE IN THE GAME?

Ultimately, my ambition is to represent my country at senior level and even go on to play for the British Lions. In the future I hope to gain a contract with a regional side and progress my performance to the highest level possible. Sport is all about improving your talents and abilities and making the very best of yourself.

WALES SCHOOLS UNDER 18 (v France Schools)

1 Nicky Downs (Bassaleg)
2 Ross Johnson (Bryncelynnog) (captain)
3 Dafydd Thomas (Llandovery Coll/Pantycelyn)
4 Bradley Davies (Coleg Morgannwg/YPant)
5 Will Jones (St Teilo’s)
6 Lee Williams (Strade)
7 Robert Nash (Cwmcarn HS)
8 Adam Powell (Neath Coll/Cyfartha HS)
9 Martin Roberts (Neath Coll/Llangatwg Comp)
10 Gareth Williams-Davies (Cowbridge Comp)
11 Nicholas Gill (Stanwell)
12 David Watts (Gowerton)
13 Emyr Williams (Coleg Sir Gar/Ysgol y Preseli)
14 Marcus Johnstone (Cwmcarn HS)
15 Jamie Roberts (Glantaf)

REPLACEMENTS Tom Dickens (ST David’s Coll), Matthew McLean (Glantaf), Anthony Mallalieu (Bolton School), Lloyd Williams-Jones (Brynteg Comp), Daniel George (Llandovery Coll/Strade), Ian Jones (Strade), Anthony Andrews (Woodhouse Coll)