King’s men lost 25-15 to England at Worcester two weeks ago and are looking to get a win under their belts before travelling to Cork for the U18 Six Nations festival over Easter where they will play France, Italy and hosts Ireland.
WRU Video: Watch interview with captain Rhys Williams
WRU Video: Watch interview with head coach Simon King
King said, “Playing England at Worcester was a big challenge and we came off second best in the end but the nature of our performance at least means we can look forward to playing Scotland with confidence.
“Tom Crandon, Ben John and Gareth Davies come into the side for this game, while Kristian Phillips moves out to the wing from centre.
“It’s also good to see Stewart Maguire on the bench after a long-term injury, while the big north Walian second row Joel Galley has received the all clear to play in the Six Nations festival.
“Unfortunately, Tristan Davies and Rhys Ruddock have been ruled out of the Six Nations tournament through injury.
“It will be good to play in front of a home crowd before travelling to Ireland. The tournament is a vital development tool, where players get a taste of a ‘professional’ environment, training every day and playing three matches in eight days.
“Last year’s tournament in Glasgow was very successful, not only in terms of results but in preparing a number of players to step up to the U20 set-up and for playing regular Premiership and Regional rugby.”
Pontypridd and Blues hooker Rhys Williams skippers the side.
Wales U18 v Scotland, Sunday March 16th, 1pm, Ebbw Vale RFC: James Loxton (Blues); Kristian Phillips (Ospreys), Ben John (Ospreys), Ashley Beck (Ospreys), Ieuan Coombes (Dragons); Matthew Jarvis (Ospreys), Gareth Davies (Scarlets); Dan Watchurst (Dragons), Rhys Williams (Capt) (Blues), Simon Gardner (Scarlets), Tom Crandon (Dragons), James King (Scarlets), Dave Francis (Dragons/Exiles), Rhys Jenkins (Dragons), James Thomas (Dragons)
Replacements: Rhys Downes (Blues), Adam Hughes (Dragons), Stewart Maguire (Dragons), Ceri Davies (Ospreys), Gareth Jenkins (Ospreys), Lloyd Peers (Ospreys), Morgan Allen (Dragons)
