Dragons back row Lennon Greggains has urged Wales Under-20s to grasp the chance to achieve ‘something special’ when they face the might of New Zealand in the World Junior Championships later today (Monday).
After victories over hosts Argentina and Fiji, either side of a defeat to defending champions France, next up is a meeting with the Baby Blacks for Gareth Williams’ side.
New Zealand have for long been the world’s standard bearers at junior level and it will be a challenging afternoon for Wales (kick-off 2.30pm UK time).
However, Greggains, who returns to the starting line-up after picking up an injury early on in the opening fixture, is up for the challenge against the Baby Blacks.
“We’ve got to enjoy the moment,” he said. “The tournament comes and goes really quickly and this is a massive opportunity for us to do something special.
“After the defeat against France the mission was to get four wins from five. We’ve got a hard run of games coming up and the second tier is just as good as the first. It’s a big challenge but one we are looking forward to facing.
“It’s been frustrating and tough to miss the first three games,” he added. “But I’m glad to be back in against one of the best teams in the tournament.
“Iestyn (Rees) has done really well and it was a big call to bring me back into the team. I’ve got to prove myself and show what I am capable of.
Meanwhile, Dragons wing Deon Smith has urged his team-mates not to be overawed by the occasion and the opponents.
“We’ve got to do our own thing,” he said. “There is a lot around who they are, but at the end of the day they are just young players like us and we have got to prove why we are here.
“I am always happy to get that starting jersey,” he added. “The last game was my big shot and I had to try and keep it, luckily I have managed to do that and now I need to go out and show it again.”
The tournament comes and goes really quickly and this is a massive opportunity for us to do something special...
