The Ospreys second-row has been at the heart of the victories over Ireland, France and the emphatic 42-16 defeat of England. And Jason Strange’s side have just one hurdle to navigate if they are to become the first Wales under-20 side to claim a Grand Slam.
Italy are still without a win in this season’s competition, but ran Ireland close in a 19-13 loss last weekend. And Beard is hoping history will take care of itself if they deliver another flawless performance.
He said: “It’s really exciting, to become the first Wales under-20 side to win a Grand Slam would be fantastic. But it’s not going to be an easy task against Italy, who have improved week-on-week. They have become a really good team with a massive pack. They have a good driving game and some quality individuals. The message is to keep our feet on the ground, stay humble and focus on the task at hand.
“We have to guard against complacency, we’ve been working really hard over the last six to eight weeks in camp, we’ve been working on simple things like core skills and we just need to look after that.”
Strange has been forced into a single change to the side that beat England, as wing George Gasson is ruled out with a hamstring injury and replaced in the starting line-up by Joe Thomas. Wales showed their unity to battle to late victories over Ireland and France, and Beard reckons their team spirit can help them claim a Six Nations clean-sweep, in preparation for the summer’s Junior World Championship.
He said: “We’re a close team and we want to win as a team, it’s not all about individuals. We just want to do well as a squad, we’re all together as a unit.
“The Grand Slam and Junior World Championships are both our goals. We want the Grand Slam, it’s been a target for us since the start of the season. If we do the job, it will give us so much confidence going into the Junior World Championship, and the first game against Ireland. Hopefully we’ll do the same job against them.”
