A youthful Wales XV take-on the WRU National Cup holders in a historic warm-up match in North Wales ahead of summer Test matches against Tonga and Samoa. Roberts will lead his men out in-front of over 5,000 fans art Eirias Park on Friday night. And he has warned that they are in for a rough ride against the North Walians.
He said: “It’s a huge occasion, not just for just rugby in North Wales but for Welsh rugby in general. It’s a great match to host up here, it sold out weeks ago. There is a huge appetite for rugby in North Wales, it’s not just a great chance for us to put what we’ve been doing in training into practice, but a great opportunity for RGC to play against the Welsh squad.
“It’s always a privilege to wear the three feathers of Wales and it’s an important match for us looking ahead to two big Test matches. It’s an important match to get game-time under our belts.
“If I was playing for RGC on Friday I would want to get the scalp on Friday. That pressure excites the boys, it’s important that these younger boys respond to the pressure, the occasion and the crowd. They will have a taste of that then looking ahead to Tonga and Samoa.”
Head coach Robin McBryde has selected five uncapped players to take-on Mark Jones’ men. Ospreys wing Keelan Giles gets his chance after scoring 14 tries in a breakthrough season, while Cardiff Blues prospect Seb Davies and former Wales Under-20 captain Ollie Griffiths start on the flanks.
Ospreys second row Adam Beard and Scarlets scrum-half Aled Davies will also get their first run-out in the red jersey. And Roberts wants to see them take their chance after impressing in training.
“You can only replicate certain things in training, until you are put under pressure in a real live situation. The first week is about learning and making sure we’re singing off the same hymn sheet.
“It’s been enjoyable leading the squad so far, I want the lads to enjoy each others company, and the desperation you show on the field comes from that. It can be daunting coming into a squad like this, but it’s important the lads ask questions and make mistakes than keep quiet, the lads are buying into it fantastically well.”
