Injuries to full back Jamie Loxton and lock James King, along with replacements Simon Gardiner and Matthew Jarvis mean that Bridgend full back Jamie Murphy has been called up from the reserve list to win a first Wales Under 20 cap with a place in the starting line-up. Beddau’s Dan Partridge steps up from the bench to partner Ashley Sweet in the boiler house, while prop Dan Watchurst and three quarter Nick Reynolds take up places on the bench.
Prop Scott Andrews (Blues Academy and Glamorgan Wanderers) will shoulder the captaincy duties this weekend when Wales Under 20 go in search of their first win of the 2009 Six Nations Championship.
Wales lost their opening tournament match when Scotland edged home 18-17 and were beaten 28-16 by England at the Brewery Field in Round 2.
Also earning their first starting places of the tournament against Les Bleuets are scrum half Tavis Knoyle and back row forwards Rhys Jenkins and Rory Pitman.Â
Wales Under 20 head coach Phil Davies said, “Players were in club action last weekend and some minor injuries were picked up. Rather than risk the players, we have decided to give other squad players a chance to gain the exposure and experience this match will give them. There are no serious injuries and I full expect to see everyone back training next week.
“Although we are disappointed not to get a result so far, it would be wrong to suggest the side hasn’t made marked progress,” added Davies.
“The sessions have been excellent since the England game, we feel there has made a real step-up in intensity in training and it would be great to get a win in France to reward the efforts of the boys.
“We have said from the start of the campaign that we wanted to create depth in our squad, not only for the Six Nations, but looking ahead to the Junior World Championship and beyond.
“We also see the need to increase the versatility of our players and we believe that with Rory Pitman and James Thomas both starting in the back row that will give us extra ball carrying strength. Josh Navidi has done superbly well so far but we feel Rhys Jenkins can give us an extra edge on the floor.
“As far as the captaincy is concerned, we are delighted by the leadership shown by James Thomas and Kristian Phillips but again we are keen to identify and develop other leaders and Scott Andrews and vice-captain Ashley Beck are two players who have led by example on and off the field.”
WALES UNDER 20: Jamie Murphy (Bridgend); Kristian Phillips (Ospreys / Neath), Scott Williams (Scarlets Academy / Llanelli), Ashley Beck (vice-capt, Ospreys / Aberavon), Adam Hughes (Dragons Academy / Bedwas); Jason Tovey (Dragons), Tavis Knoyle (Neath); Aaron Coundley (Dragons Academy / Ebbw Vale), Rhys Williams (Blues Academy / Pontypridd), Scott Andrews (capt, Blues Academy / Glamorgan Wanderers), Dan Partirdge (Beddau), Ashley Sweet (Dragons Academy / Cross Keys), James Thomas (Dragons Academy / Ebbw Vale), Rhys Jenkins (Dragons Academy / Ebbw Vale), Rory Pitman (Ospreys Academy / Bridgend).Â
Replacements: Dan Watchurst (Dragons academy / Bedwas), Craig Attwell (Dragons Academy / Newbridge), Sam Pailor (Pontypool), Justin Tipuric (Ospreys Academy / Aberavon), James Leadbeater (Cross Keys), David Langdon (Dragons Academy / Ebbw Vale), Nick Reynolds (Llanelli).
For more information and for interview requests please contact Liz Jones, WRU Communications Manager tel 07736 056669 / lizjones@wru.co.uk
