U18 look to continue winning form
The young Welsh side come into the match off a 30-16 win over France at New Anniesland on Sunday and are confident they can compete against what is a powerful England side, which showed its muscularity in the 15-6 victory over hosts Scotland at Burnbrae.
“We’ve watched England and yes, they are a physical side but there is more adventure about this England side. It’s no longer all about driven line-outs. I think they have a real willingness to play rugby,” warned Wales U18 manager Terry Cobner.
He added, “We’re not short in the physicality department but we recognise that England have some big lads and are very direct in midfield.”
The dry pitch at Hughenden, even if it is short of a lush covering of grass should suit the Welsh side. “We like the hard firm ground. What we want, though, is for the wind to drop a bit. Otherwise the weather forecast is suggesting good conditions for the England game” added Cobner.
The tournament rules require that each of the twenty six players in the squad will be given at least one start. For the game against England, Wales have made six changes giving starts to loose head prop Aaron Coundley, hooker Ricky Guest – who will skipper the side, No.8 Justin Tipuric, scrum half Lloyd Williams, winger Adam Hughes and centre Jason Harries.
Wales U18 (v England U18):
Jason Tovey (Cwmcarn/Newport)
Tomos Rees (Coleg Sir Gal/Llandybie)
Jason Harries (Bro Myrddin/Camarthen Quins)
Ashley Beck (Neath/Tonmawr)
Adam Hughes (Croesyceiliog)
Dan Biggar (Gowerton)
Lloyd Williams (Cowbridge/Llandaff)
Aaron Coundley (Cross Keys/Blackwood)
Ricky Guest (Coleg Sir Gal/Llanelli)
Scott Andrews (Y Pant/Llantrisant)
Lee Bray (Cross Keys/Blackwood)
Ashley Sweet (Pontypool/Pontypool Utd)
Kristian Dacey (Merthyr RFC)
Jack Shaw (Brynteg/Bridgend Athletic)
Justin Tipuric (Swansea/Trebanos)
Replacements from:
James Loxton (St David’s/Llandaff)
Ryan Bayliss (Brecon/Pelenna)
Joseph Deacon (Rumney)
Rhys Downes (Rhydyfelin RFC)
Thomas Price (Builth/Builth Wells)
Stewart Maguire (St Josephs/Chepstow)
Rhys Williams (Blues Academy)
Daniel Partridge (Llantwit Major)
Jake Thomas (Pencoed/Ynysybwl)
Rory Pitman (Ospreys Academy)
Lewis Mills (St David’s/Rumney)
