Rees makes two changes to Wales U20
Bedwas and Dragons wing Jimmy Norris, who was called up from the Wales U19 squad to take a place on the bench against Italy last week, has earned a spot on the left wing, while outside half Rhys Priestland has returned to full fitness to start the game.
Rees said, “Tom James is still out injured but Jimmy impressed when he came on for the last twenty-five minutes against Italy last weekend and with next year in mind, he certainly deserves a chance to start in this game.
“Rhys Priestland performed well in the first three games of the campaign and back to full fitness, he can control the game well at fly half.”
Rees is looking for a result against England to seal the improvement in performance evident throughout the tournament. He added: “We are disappointed not to have got the results we wanted but overall we have improved enormously both individually and as a group throughout this campaign which is vital in grooming these players for senior, regional and international rugby.
“Having said that, we will do whatever it takes to get a win against England to finish on a positive note and to give the players the result they deserve. Rodney Parade is a great compact venue and I hope the fans turn out to help this side get a win to kick-off what all of Wales wants, a successful international weekend.”
2007 U21 Six Nations
Wales U20 v England U20
Friday March 16th 2007
Rodney Parade, Newport (7.40pm)
Wales U20
Martyn Thomas (Dragons)
Alec Jenkins (Llanelli/Scarlets)
James Lewis (Bedwas/Dragons)
Gareth Maule (Newport/Dragons)
Jimmy Norris (Bedwas/Dragons)
Rhys Priestland (Llanelli/Scarlets)
Robert Lewis (Neath/Ospreys)
Hugh Gustafson (captain; Llanelli/Scarlets)
Marc Jones (Sale Sharks)
Jamie Corsi (Newport/Dragons)
Bradley Davies (Blues)
James Down (Cardiff/Blues)
Danny Lydiate (Ebbw Vale/Dragons)
James Harris (Bedwas/Dragons)
Lewis Evans (Newport/Dragons)
Replacements
Ken Owens (Llanelli/Scarlets)
Nick Eaves (Pontypridd/Blues)
Adam Brown (Bedwas/Dragons)
Matthew Larsen (Cardiff/Blues)
Darren Allinson (Cardiff/Blues)
Rhys Jones (Sale Sharks)
Luke Ford (Wanderers/Blues)
