This afternoon, when they take on South Africa in Vannes, Danny Wilson’s side will have the chance to do just that as Wales know a win would set up a final against either England or New Zealand.
Training camps, flights and match preparation have become the norm for this group of players but for one member of the squad, there has been more than one thing to focus on.
Newport Gwent Dragons full back Hallam Amos has been combining training with his academic studies and missed Wales’ win over Scotland to fly home for a maths exam. It’s been a stressful time for the aspiring doctor but with exams now out of the way, he says he is 100 per cent focused on today’s crunch encounter with the Springboks.
“I had to fly back for a maths module which was fun,” confirmed the Rodney Parade back.
“It was a bit different to the rugby out here but I’m glad it’s over and now I can just concentrate on my rugby.
“My A Levels are done – I finished maths in January and have just completed further maths, chemistry and biology. I’m fully focused on rugby now.”
Amos’ travelling and academic studies seemed to have little impact on his performance. After flying back out to France, he went straight back into the side to play Argentina and crossed for a superb individual try which proved the difference between the teams.
It was a mark of Amos’ danger with ball in hand, the young full back picking the ball up well inside his own half, breaking a couple of tackles and showing an impressive turn of foot to finish in the corner.
“It was such a good feeling to get the win,” said Amos on the victory over Argentina.
“But this game will be bigger than anything we’ve experienced before. I can’t wait really. It will be really physical as always and South Africa have got a very big pack. I’m sure we’ll front up, the Argentinian pack was big and we fronted up to them.”
For the clash with South Africa, Amos moves to the left wing with Jordan Williams coming in at full back. It’s the only change from the brutal win over Argentina with the experienced Ellis Jenkins and Rhodri Huges both starting in the pack.
“We’ve got quite a few boys in the squad who made the semi-finals last year,” said Amos.
“There is a real desire to go one better this year and maybe become the first Welsh side to go on and win it. South Africa have got a couple of quick wingers but we’ll take it as it comes and focus on our game.
“They are definitely beatable but it will be a real challenge.”
In a late change to the Wales team for tonight, lock Carwyn Jones has been forced to pull out of the clash with South Africa due to a neck sprain. He will be replaced in the starting line-up by Jack Jones, with James Benjamin coming onto the bench.
Wales Under 20 v South Africa:
Jordan Williams (Scarlets / Llanelli); Ashley Evans (Ospreys/ Bridgend), Steffan Hughes (Scarlets / Llanelli), Jack Dixon (Dragons), Hallam Amos (Dragons/ Newport); Sam Davies (Ospreys / Swansea), Rhodri Williams (Scarlets/ Llandovery); Gareth Thomas (Scarlets/ Carmarthen Quins), Ethan Lewis (Blues / Cardiff), Nicky Thomas (Ospreys / Swansea), Jack Jones (Ospreys / Rovigo), Rhodri Hughes (Ospreys/ Swansea), Sion Bennett (Scarlets/ Carmarthen), Ellis Jenkins (capt, Blues / Cardiff), Ieuan Jones (Dragons/ Newport).
Replacements: Elliot Dee (Dragons / Bedwas), Thomas Davies (Blues /Cardiff), Dan Suter (Ospreys/ Bridgend), James Benjamin (Dragons/ BEdwas), Daniel Thomas (Scarlets/ Llanelli), Joshua Davies (Dragons / Bedwas), Aaron Warren (Llandovery), Thomas Pascoe (Blues / Pontypridd)
Watch Wales U20 vs. South Africa U20 on S4C this afternoon. KO 5.15pm UK time.
