Captain Harri Ackerman can’t wait to get back to work as Wales Under-20s look to build on the first opening round victory in the Six Nations since 2018.
After their six try, 37-29 win over Scotland in Colwyn Bay, Ackerman’s side head to Bath’s Recreation Ground to face England in their next assignment.
England were 36-11 winners over Italy in their opening game and have won the last three games against Wales. Jac Morgan was captain the last time Wales beat the auld enemy, 23-22 at Kingsholm in 2020.
“It’s a massive game next week. Wales versus England is a game you dream about as a kid and we need to keep a calm head,” said Ackerman, who scored one try and had another ruled out by the TMO.
Wales led 20-17 at the break but had plenty to work on before they eventually ran out winners, twice coming from behind in the second half.
“The first message at half-time was about work rate, and the second one was to stay calm and keep adding to the scoreboard. We need to focus on closing out games,” added Ackerman.
“It’s all well and good leading for 60 minutes, but it’s in those final 20 minutes where teams can push on.”
Forwards Coach Sam Hobbs was also delighted with the way his forwards problem solved and came out firing in the second half.
“I’m proud of the boys. Their effort in the second half and last ten minutes to stick in there showed a lot of character and resilience,” said Hobbs, who is part of Richard Whiffin’s coaching team alongside Scott Sneddon and Richie Pugh.
“We made some adjustments at half-time with some areas that we struggled with, and it was a positive second half from us.
“We needed to sort out our maul defence and our scrum second half, that was the message at half-time, because Scotland came for us strong and had an excellent platform first half.
“We were confident if we could hold field position and possession, and get the high tempo game that we wanted, then we had strike runners in our backs and back row to cause them problems.”
Hobbs was also pleased to see so many Dragons go well in the opening fixture.
“I thought we had some excellent strike runners in Harri (Rees-Weldon), Walker (Price) and Huw (Anderson),” he added.
“Ackers (Harri Ackerman) was also very good alongside Louie (Hennessey). The two boys up front (Jordan Morris and Nick Thomas) also went well. But our whole team was excellent."
Looking ahead to the England game, Hobbs added: “It’s a big challenge next up and England will watch that (game with Scotland) and will come after us in those areas, there is no hiding from it.
“I’m buzzing for the next game. Friday at The Rec will be hostile and it will be 23 Welsh boys and coaches, plus a few friends and family, against 8,000 Englishmen. If you can’t get up for those games as a proud Welshman, you are not in the right sport.”
Friday at The Rec will be hostile and it will be 23 Welsh boys and coaches, plus a few friends and family, against 8,000 Englishmen. If you can’t get up for those games as a proud Welshman, you are not in the right sport...
