Richard Whiffin has named his Wales Under-19 men’s side to face Italy at The Wern, Merthyr on Sunday which boasts several positional switches from the side that lost to Ireland last Sunday (kick-off 2pm) - and he names four players from Dragons RFC in the match day squad.
Ryan Jones plays in the back row while George Tuckley, Elliot Bevan and Harry Dawes are among the replacements Hooker James Talamai and prop Codi Purnell, who will join the club this summer, are also among the replacements.
In the backs Lewis Edwards moves from full-back to outside centre while Sion Jones switches from fly-half to full-back.
To accommodate Edwards at 13, Osian Darwin-Lewis moves to inside centre from outside centre.
In the pack Jones move across the back row from openside flanker to blindside flanker while Osian Williams moves to the back of the scrum after wearing number six on his back against Ireland.
“We always spoke about giving everyone in the squad an opportunity over the two weeks so we as coaches have a chance to work with them over that period and the players have a good chance to put their best foot forward in games,” said Whiffin.
“Making changes so that we get to see everyone is important and gives guys chances in positions where some of them are in different parts of the journey.
“For some it is their first time in and around the setup, some guys have been around the 20s and trying to put their hand up for the World Cup so everyone is in a different position but I think it is good and fair, especially in a development programme, we give everyone a chance to get out on the field.
“It’s a small squad to go out to the World Cup and so for players to be comfortable in multiply positions is key therefore we have moved a few guys around to see their versatility and that is only going to strengthen their cause for the World Cup.”
Whiffin expects Italy to provide some stern opposition at the home of Merthyr RFC.
“Similar to Ireland last week, they will be very organised, they have been together a little bit longer than we have,” said Wiffin.
“Like most Italian teams we are expecting a big physical pack and some flair in the backline so we are going to have to be on our money to put out a good performance. We’ve trained well this week and we’ll be better for having another week together be more cohesive and I am expecting an improved performance.”
Wales U19 v Italy U19, at the Wern, Merthyr, Sunday 13 April, KO 2pm
15 Sion Jones (Scarlets)
14 Evan Morris (Bristol Bears)
13 Lewis Edwards (Ospreys)
12 Osian Darwin-Lewis (Cardiff)
11 Dylan Scott (Cardiff Met)
10 Math Jones (Harlequins)
9 Sion Davies (Cardiff)
1 Cam Tyler-Growcott (Cardiff)
2 Jake Bowen (Scarlets)
3 Jac Pritchard (Scarlets)
4 Luke Evans (Exeter)
5 Tom Cottle (RGC) – Capt
6 Ryan Jones (Dragons)
8 Osian Williams (Scarlets)
Replacements
16 James Talamai (Saracens)
17 George Tuckley (Dragons)
18 Codi Purnell (Bath)
19 Elliott Bevan (Dragons)
20 Jack Gilbert (Gloucester)
21 Ellis Lewis (Neath)
22 Steff Jac Jones (Scarlets)
23 Ioan Perry (Cardiff)
24 Harry Dawes (Dragons)
25 Keanu Evans (Scarlets)
