Huge Crowd Expected at Rodney Parade

Huge Crowd Expected at Rodney Parade

A huge crowd is expected at Rodney Parade as Wales U20s take on New Zealand U20s tomorrow evening, Wednesday 18 June (kick-off 7.00pm).

Only limited numbers of tickets remain on sale for the IRB Junior World Championship semi-final clash between two of the greatest rugby nations and venue organisers are urging people to book in advance to avoid disappointment.

Tickets are available at £2 for children and £8 for adults in advance at Rodney Parade Ticket Office or by telephoning 01633 674 990. Tickets include two top class rugby games as Canada U20s take on Scotland U20s at the earlier time of 5pm.

Wales have made four changes and one positional for their clash with New Zealand in the IRB Junior World Championship semi-final at Rodney Parade.

In the backs, Gareth Owen has recovered from a knee strain in time to start the match and replaces Rhys Williams in the centre, while Jimmy Norris returns on the wing in place of Jason Tovey.

Up front, hooker Ryan Prosser starts in place of Rhys Lawrence who suffered a knee ligament injury against France last Saturday.

Lawrence has been replaced in the squad by Dragons hooker Ben Roberts who starts on the bench tomorrow.

Josh Turnbull moves to the second row in place of Jevon Groves, with Justin Tipuric starting on the blindside flank.

Wales Under 20 team manager Robert Beale said, "This is a one-off opportunity for these players to take on New Zealand in the last four of a world championship.

"It was our aim to reach the semi-finals and the players are confident they can meet the tough challenge ahead of them.

"We are thrilled to be playing at Rodney Parade. We were unbeaten there in the Six Nations and we are hoping for a fantastic crowd to give the players a real lift.

"We hope all of the Dragons region and the rest of Wales will get behind us for this match which is certainly the biggest game to date in these players' careers."

For full tournament schedule and all tournament information, go to www.irb.com/jwc