Six Dragons named for Scotland encounter

Six Dragons have been named in the Wales U20 squad for their World Rugby U20 Championship play-off clash with Scotland in Tbilisi today (3pm BST).

Katie Vizard | 13/06/2017

Jason Strange’s side entered the middle-tier of the competition following their eight-try victory over Samoa, with fifth-place the highest finishing position up for grabs.

They face Scotland at the Avchala Stadium and Strange has freshened up his squad again. Half-backs Dane Blacker and Arwel Robson return to the starting line-up, as do full back Will Talbot-Davies and wing, Ryan Conbeer.

In the pack, Ellis Shipp returns at hooker and Will Griffiths, who sat four A-level exams last week, is back at second row.

There are further changes upon the replacement bench with Syd Blackmore and Connor Edwards handed their first involvements. Phil Jones covers fly-half after Ben Jones was ruled out with a chest injury.

Strange said: “The players that came in did really well against Samoa but with the way this tournament is structured it’s important to keep refreshing the players both physically and mentally. Hopefully they will bring a lot of energy against Scotland.

“We’re confident. We are pleased with the way we have played throughout the tournament, particularly against Australia but there are certainly opportunities to get better.

“We judge ourselves internally and as long as we hit those performance levels then the result will take care of itself.”

Wales have faced Scotland twice in 2017, claiming a 65-34 victory in the Six Nations and a 29-22 triumph in preparation for the World Championship.

Scotland qualified for the middle tier thanks to victories over Ireland and Italy and Strange insists his team will be taking nothing for granted. Should they win a clash with the winner of Australia versus Italy beckons.

He added: “We know Scotland well but they have definitely got better through the tournament. They pose a real attacking threat from their lineout and they have some good individual players so we certainly won’t be underestimating them. It will be a real challenge.

“The important thing for us is the quality of experience the players get in the tournament and if we get another opportunity to play Australia, who are an outstanding team, probably a top four team, then that is fantastic for us.”

Wales U20s to face Scotland U20s:

15 Will Talbot-Davies (Newport Gwent Dragons)

14 Jared Rosser (Newport Gwent Dragons)

13 Ioan Nicholas (Scarlets)

12 Owen Lane (Cardiff Blues)

11 Ryan Conbeer (Scarlets)

10 Arwel Robson (Newport Gwent Dragons)

9 Dane Blacker (Cardiff Blues);

1 Rhys Carre (Cardiff Blues)

2 Ellis Shipp (Newport Gwent Dragons)

3 Kieron Assiratti (Cardiff Blues)

4 Will Griffiths (Ospreys)