Wales have announced five Dragons in their squad for tomorrow evening’s final of the U20 Six Nations Summer Series against South Africa in Treviso’s Stadio Monigo, (KO 8pm)
Nathan Evans, Ryan Woodman, Morgan Lloyd and Oli Andrew all start following last week's victory over hosts Italy and utility back Joe Westwood is amongst the replacements.
There is just one change to the starting XV that repelled Italy in the last pool match to earn passage to the final against the Junior Springboks.
Exeter Chiefs’ Oli Burrows gets the nod at hooker with Cardiff Rugby’s Efan Daniel dropping down to the bench. The only change on the replacements panel sees Ealing Trailfinders hooker Morgan Veness have his first involvement in the tournament, with Harlequins’ Bryn Bradley dropping out of the match day squad.
“The boys did a job against Italy and all credit to the boys who took to the field,” said Wales U20 head coach Byron Hayward.
“They had to overcome a lot of adversity because of the yellow cards – we played 30 minutes with 14 men as well and that was no easy task against a very good Italian side.
“Efan picked up a knock against Italy at the end of the first half which he has been carrying since so we’ve decided to err on the side of caution and start with Oli and we’ll also carry Morgan Veness on the bench as well.”
Veness is the only member of the squad who hasn’t taken part in any action to date, but Hayward was quick to praise the effort the hooker has been doing off the field with this professional attitude.
“It’s always difficult for the boys who don’t make the match day 23 or 26 in our case. They can get demotivated and a bit home sick because they are not involved but he has been a 100 per cent team member and an integral part of our success here and he deserves his opportunity.”
Hayward believes the pressure his side has faced so far to reach the final will stand them in good stead.
“If you look at the three games we have played so far we have probably shown a little bit of everything,” he said. “Scotland was obviously a very good performance played at a high tempo speed and we scored some really nice tries. Then we were forced to dig deep against Georgia and went to a place we have never been before because they were so physical.
“And then against Italy there was a combination of a bit of both as they are a very physical team, but they can play as well.
"South Africa are obviously a very good side as they have beaten three high quality teams to make the final. They are very athletic, physical and possess pace and power, but we have the same. We are not fearing South Africa at all. Our boys are really looking forward to it as we don’t often get the chance to play this opposition.
“I don’t think Wales have been in a final since 2013 so this is a privileged position to be in. It’s important they enjoy the occasion and give 100 per cent and what will be will be.”
Wales U20s v South Africa at Stadio Monigo, Tuesday 12 July (KO 8pm UK)
15 Cameron Winnett (Cardiff Rugby)
14 Oli Andrew (Dragons RFC)
13 Mason Grady (Cardiff Rugby)
12 Joe Hawkins (Ospreys – Capt)
11 Harri Houston (Ospreys)
10 Dan Edwards (Ospreys)
9 Morgan Lloyd (Dragons RFC);
1 Rhys Barratt (Cardiff Rugby)
2 Oli Burrows (Exeter Chiefs)
3 Nathan Evans (Dragons RFC)
4 Christ Tshiunza (Exeter Chiefs)
5 Dafydd Jenkins (Exeter Chiefs)
6 Ben Williams (Aberavon)
7 Ethan Fackrell (Cardiff Rugby)
8 Ryan Woodman (Dragons RFC)
Replacements:
16 Efan Daniel (Cardiff Rugby)
17 Cameron Jones (Ospreys)
18 Adam Williams (Cardiff Rugby)
19 Mackenzie Martin (Cardiff Rugby)
20 Morgan Morse (Ospreys)
21 Luke Davies (Llanelli)
22 Josh Phillips (Scarlets)
23 Joe Westwood (Dragons RFC)
24 Iestyn Hopkins (Ospreys)
25 Caleb Salmon (Scarlets)
26 Morgan Veness (Ealing Trailfinders)
Watch live on Six Nations Rugby YouTube channel / Welsh commentary on WRU You Tube channel
