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Lessons learned reap rewards for Wales Under 20

Lessons learned reap rewards for Wales Under 20

Wales Under 20 coaches and players believe they have grown as a team from their recent Six Nations experiences.

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The Welsh youngsters impressed in a 19-12 win over Ireland on Friday night in Colwyn Bay, to follow their historic 21-15 win over England in their other home Six Nations game on the opening weekend.

However, they suffered defeats to Scotland and France and believe they’ve learned harsh lessons as a result.
Wales Under 20 attack coach Jason Strange said, “We are delighted for the players. They had a tough couple of weeks of training after the France game and it was a real collective effort to come away with the spoils on Friday.

“Some players coming into the side did well – Joe Gage at full back and Rhys Williams on the wing – and our forwards did a good job of setting up a platform and taking on Ireland up front.”

Owen Watkin scored an impressive try before half-time to give Wales a 16-6 lead at the break.

“There was some good interlinking between forwards and backs to create the try and Owen finished it off well. However, there were other try scoring chances we didn’t take so we will be looking to improve again ahead of next week. It’s important we build on this victory and finish with a good performance next week.

“There are a lot of young players in the side so the experiences of the last few weeks will certainly stand us in good stead as we go forward to the World Rugby Championship and into next season.”

Scarlets wing Josh Adams added, “It was a very good win to beat Ireland, who were on a good run of form having beaten Ireland and Scotland and come close to England.

“As always, the Eirias crowd got behind us and gave us an extra boost on Friday.

“We learned a lot from our defeats. Our discipline was better on Friday, our game management was good, our kicking game was better, we showed good variety and kicked in the right areas when we needed to, and our territory and dominance paid off in the end.

“Our forwards won the physical battle which we had worked hard on in the week as Ireland have a very strong, physical pack.

“It’s important we capitalise on this win now next week. Italy will be dogged and physical but on a personal note, it will be nice to end my last Under 20 Six Nations game with a win!”
 

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