Wales go into their first game having recently tasted international action at this level against England, Scotland and a French selection and King says his side are ready for a tough game.
“It doesn’t come much tougher than the host team in the first game but in every tournament you look forward to getting a game under your belt and we have prepared well.”
Wales have named a strong side for the game with a pack that is backboned by a large contingent from the Dragons with Blues hooker Rhys Williams named as captain.
“We’ve been down to Musgrave Park and we are really pleased with the facilities. I think the boys will enjoy playing here and now we just want the festival to get underway.”
Wales U18 v Ireland U18: Wednesday March 26th, 19:30, Musgrave Park, Cork
Wales U18:
15. James Loxton (Blues)
14. Adam Hughes (Dragons)
13. Ben John (Ospreys)
12. Ashley Beck (Ospreys)
11. Ieuan Coombes (Dragons)
10. Matthew Jarvis (Ospreys)
9. Rhys Downes (Blues)
1. Daniel Watchurst (Dragons)
2. Rhys Williams (Blues) (Captain)
3. Stewart Maguire (Dragons)
4. Tom Crandon (Dragons)
5. Joel Galley (Scarlets)
6. Dave Francis (Dragons)
7. Rhys Jenkins (Dragons)
8. James Thomas (Dragons)
Replacements:
Liam Powell (Dragons)
Chris Lewis-Pratt (Exiles)
Morgan Allan (Dragons)
Dave Francis (Dragons)
Gareth Jenkins (Ospreys)
Ceri Davies (Ospreys)
Lloyd Peers (Ospreys)
James King (Scarlets)
Gareth Davies (Scarlets)
James Davies (Scarlets)