Davies took two squads of 25 to the Wellington Festival over Easter, each squad playing three development matches against English, French and Scottish opposition. After Day One losses to France West and England South West, the ‘Druids’ beat England Midlands and England London South & East, while the ‘Celts’ beat Scotland 48-0 and drew against England North.
Davies believes the week-long tournament was hugely beneficial for the development of his young players.
“It was a very positive week. Day One was disappointing in lots of ways – both teams made errors and there was a lack of accuracy leading to the defeats, but we had two good days to review, prepare and preview the next games and the performances of both sides on Day Two reflected that, particularly the Celts against Scotland, but also the Druids against England Midlands.
“The results weren’t as convincing on the last day but there were still a lot of positives, especially with some individual performances, and despite being under considerable pressure, we stuck to our principals of attacking with the ball in hand – and our defence and organisation were good too.”
Davies believes the season is now well-structured at this level, culminating in the international at Ystrad Mynach this weekend.
“From playing club and school rugby for the first part of the season, the best players went on to compete in the Regional Under 16 Championship before the squads for Wellington were announced.
“The side selected to play England on Sunday is a strong blend of both squads that competed at Wellington. We have talent in our forwards and backs and we have an ability to play attacking rugby from 1 to 15.
“All four of England’s regional teams were strong at Wellington so they have great strength in depth. They will be physical but also have pace behind and will look to spread the ball.
“However, we have a plan to beat England and if we are accurate in what we do and maintain that accuracy, I have every confidence we can win. We will be attacking England at every opportunity and there’s no reason we can’t take a lead from the Under 20s and Under 18s and come away with a result.”
Tickets for the game are £5, Under 16s free.
Welsh Schools Under 16 team v England (Sunday 19 April, 2.30pm, Caerphilly Centre of Sporting Excellence):
Sam Dinsdale (Dragons/Bassaleg/Machen); Corey Baldwin (Scarlets/Bro Dinefwr), Dafydd Smith (Blues/Bro Morgannwg/Penarth), Ben Thomas (Blues/Corpus Christi/ St. Peters), Ryan Conbeer (Scarlets/Greenhill/Narbeth); Ben Jones (Blues/Afon Taf High/Mountain Ash), Harri Morgan (Ospreys/Langynwwyd/Bryncethin); Rhys Davies (Scarlets/ Haverfordwest/ Neyland), Iestyn Harries (Blues/Y.G. Cymer/Treorchy), Josh Reynolds (Dragons/Caerleon/NHSOB), Rhys Davies (Ospreys/Bishopston/Gowerton), Owen Lloyd (Blues/Stanwell/Penarth) Lewis Ellis-Jones (Scarlets/Penweddig/Aberystwyth), Sion Edwards (Blues/Porth County/Porth), Alun Lawrence (Blues/Y.G. Llanharri/Llantrisant)
Replacements:
Jordan Sakkas (Blues/Radyr/Pentyrch), Tom Stacey (Blues/ Porth County/Porth), Daniel Schwartz (Blues/Cardiff High/Rhiwbina), Tom Ireland-Life (Blues/ Y.G. Gymraeg Glantaf/Rumney), Daniel Davies (Scarlets/ Bro Dinefwr/ Llandeilo), Daniel Babos (Dragons/Croesyceiliog/Pontypool), Keiran Griffiths (Exiles/ Millfield/ Haverfordwest), James McCarthy (Dragons/Caerleon/Machen)
