Captain Ryan Woodman praised the progress made by Wales Under-20s as they finished sixth overall at the World Rugby U20 Championship in South Africa.
Wales restored pride after a whitewash in the Six Nations – securing wins over Japan and Georgia, getting within a point of New Zealand in their opening game and running in five tries against the Junior Wallabies.
There was some frustration at not being able to nail vital opportunities in games that could have brought an even higher finishing position.
But Woodman – one of 18 players from this year’s group who remain eligible for 2024 – believes the tournament was a big step forward for the squad.
“All the boys have worked hard to improve on the Six Nations - I feel we have achieved that,” said Woodman, who was joined by Dragons RFC team-mates Dylan Kelleher-Griffiths, Sam Scarfe, Che Hope, Joe Westwood and Huw Anderson in the squad.
“Some parts of the game against Australia showed where we are as a team. Now it is about moving forward with the next group of boys and the next Six Nations.
“The whole experience out in South Africa has been unbelievable and one of the best times I’ve had with a group. Hopefully I can do the same next year with the new crop.
Reflecting on defeat in the fifth-place play-off, Woodman admitted momentum and a clinical Junior Wallabies side had proven the difference.
“It was a frustrating game. We had lots of chances in the first half, but they were very good at finishing off their opportunities,” he added.
“Most games when you score over 30 points you win. But our defence wasn’t good enough.
“Australia were the better side, they were clinical. We had plenty of entries into their 22, but our conversion rate was a lot lower. It comes down to that.
“Just before half-time we got held up over the line and I felt if we scored then it is a three-point game and very different.
“We came out after the break and needed to score first, but they got one early and the momentum went with them.
“We had some good periods, but there were also times when they put pressure on us, and it can show when you come to the end of the tournament and there is that fatigue. But we can be proud of our efforts.”
The whole experience out in South Africa has been unbelievable and one of the best times I’ve had with a group... Hopefully I can do the same next year with the new crop...
