Five Dragons featured as a ruthless first half display as Wales Under-19s stormed to a 31-12 victory over Scotland at Ystrad Mynach in miserable weather conditions on Sunday afternoon.
Centre Aneurin Owen is named vice-captain and joined Ewan Rosser, Dylan Bartlett, Brodie Coghlan and Ben Carter in the team.
The home side displayed grit and character in the first half, overcoming stubborn opposition and a lengthy halt to play after Scotland prop Ben Mace had to receive treatment.
Prior to the lengthy lay-off, Wales had shown their intent to run the ball with full back Dan John in particular catching the eye.
It was his initial thrust, almost from the re-start, that ignited the Welsh backline into action, his dazzling speed and footwork cutting through the defence but his pass to Ewan Rosser went to ground just short of the try-line.
Wales regained possession after the lineout and John, in unison with Aneurin Owen, put winger Jake Thomas over in the corner.
Scotland had no let-up as Wales worked their way back to the Scotland 22m line. Outside centre Bradley Roderick, who impressed throughout, bounced his way through and over the tryline to put Wales in command.
John and Owen combined again to put Thomas away and the winger danced his way down the touchline to score a well-executed try.
Jacob Beetham’s second conversion gave Wales a comfortable 19-0 at the break.
The weather conditions hampered both teams attempts to play expansive rugby but just as Scotland were getting a toe-hold in the game, out of nothing Roderick scored his second try of the game after scooping up a loose ball and racing 45m to the try-line.
With five minutes remaining replacement hooker Rhodri King powered his way over from close range to score Wales’ fifth try of the afternoon but a late salvo from the visitors saw Harri Morris and Phil McIlwraith score tries, to ensure they got some reward for their endeavours.
Wales U20 head coach Gareth Williams said: “They came down here to be physical and I thought we dealt with that well, there were a couple of contact areas we were a bit disappointed in but I think that was more to do with some of the synergy of the players working together for the first time, so I thought we rode those early situations really well and put our stamp on the game.
“Some of the boys put their hands up and as coaches we’re learning about relationships with individuals and getting to know players and some of them have given us something to go away and think about now, moving towards the Six Nations,” he added.
They came down here to be physical and I thought we dealt with that well...
