Wales U20s head coach Richard Whiffin says that he and his team are relishing the chance to play “in front of a really partisan crowd at Rodney Parade” next weekend.
After back-to-back away games, including last weekend’s dramatic 20-18 win in Italy, Whiffin and co. are “looking forward” to the opportunity to play in front of a home crowd when they host Ireland at Rodney Parade on Friday the 21st of February.
Despite an injury to Academy lock Nick Thomas against France, Dragons players have continued to impress with Evan Minto, Logan Franklin, Harri Ford and Ryan Jones all playing their part in a hugely important win in Treviso against Italy.
Ford held his nerve to kick Wales to victory, a win which “delighted” Whiffin, although he admitted at having one or two frayed nerves himself during the game.
“Ultimately international rugby is about winning, so we are delighted with that fact,” said Whiffin. “Our set piece play kept us in the game in the first 20 minutes and allowed us to score two quick tries.”
"I thought that was going to be our entry into the game, but we didn’t quite manage to put enough phases together to take the game from them.
“I’m frustrated but relieved. We didn’t start very well, everything we tried didn’t come off, and our discipline wasn’t great, which gave them opportunities in our 22.
“But what did please me was the way our forwards held out a number of five metres maul shots from the Italians and we also scrummaged well.
“We’ve had two really good away performances from our pack and that shows the good work Marc Breeze has been doing with them outside the campaign.
“I thought their boy was going to kick the last penalty,” Whiffin added. “I was saying to myself that if he did, we didn’t deserve to win it because we didn’t execute well enough and we weren’t accurate enough with our discipline and with the ball to really stress them and put the game away.”
“If I had any hair I’d have been pulling it out but I was glad the kick didn’t go over.
“We have to be better and to improve from this game because it’s going to be a tough challenge back at home in two weeks’ time against Ireland.”
Tickets are from £12 for Adults and £6 for U18s and concessions - CLICK HERE TO BUY
We have to be better and to improve from this game because it’s going to be a tough challenge back at home in two weeks’ time against Ireland.
