Wales Under 18 head coach Simon King said, “The boys played extremely well to beat a very well organised French side by four tries to nil.
“However, we can’t take anything for granted this weekend. Italy will be a very big, physical encounter and we will prepare accordingly for the challenge. Unfortunately we have lost Aberavon centre Ben John and prop Daniel Evans through injury but it will be interesting to see how other players fare.
“Our job is to prepare elite, young players for the future of our game and it is important for these players to remember this is only the first rung on the international ladder.”
Wales travel to Italy next month for games against Scotland and Ireland, before returning to Wales to play England on April 26.
Wales Under 18 v Italy, Sunday 22 March, Talbot Athletic Ground (1pm):
Tom Prydie (Ospreys); George North (Gogledd), Dale Ford (Scarlets), Jack Gadd (Exiles), Luke Williams (Scarlets); Matthew Morgan (Ospreys), Aled Davies (Scarlets); Rowan Jenkins (Scarlets), Ieuan Davies (Blues), Rhodri Jones (Dragons), Lloyd Peers (capt, Ospreys), Macauley Cook (Blues), Edward Siggery (Scarlets), Thomas Young (Blues), David Barry (Blues).
Replacements from: Lewis Smout (Blues), Gareth Harvey (Ospreys), Will Taylor (Ospreys), Luke Hamilton (Scarlets), Ben Thomas (Ospreys), Dan Baker (Ospreys), Grant Rogers (Dragons), Adam Jones (Dragons), Eli Walker (Ospreys)
