Blues, Ystrad Rhondda and Ferndale Community School prop duo Thomas Davies and Bradley Thyer have come in to replace Nicky Smith and Daniel Suter and there is a re-shuffle in the back row with Ieuan Jones (Dragons and Bargoed Youth) starting at blindside and captain Ellis Jenkins moving to the openside instead of Daniel Thomas who has received a one week suspension after a red card offence in the France game. In the backs, Blues wing Owen Jenkins, son of former Wales hooker Garin, comes in for Ryan J Evans, while Ryan E Evans joins Blues team mate Thomas Pascoe in the centre.
Rees said, “We lacked a little intensity at times against France and we feel these changes will help to bring some added energy to the side. While we have made changes, there is also a lot of consistency in this team selection which is important. We have reviewed last weekend’s match and worked hard on putting things right this week.
“We are under no illusions about the challenge ahead of us. Italy fared similarly to us against France and they certainly won’t roll over on their home patch. There will be a lot of expectation on our players to perform, especially with ranking points for the Easter European tournament at stake, but we are confident the boys have the ability to step up to the mark and perform well on Sunday.”
Wales U18 v Italy U18 (Sunday, 13 March, 2.30pm):
Cory Allen (Blues / Glam Wands / Y Fro); Jack Randall (Scarlets / Ammanford / Amman Valley), Ryan E Evans (Blues/ Tonyrefail/ Tonyrefail comp), Thomas Pascoe (Blues / Mountain Ash / Coleg Morgannwg), Owen Jenkins (Blues/ Ynysybwl / Pontypridd High); Sam Davies (Ospreys / Gorseinon / Gowerton Comp), Rhodri Williams (vice-capt, Scarlets/ Llandovery / Amman Valley Comp); Thomas Davies (Blues / Ystrad Rhondda/ Ferndale Community School) Jack Dando (Blues / Penygraig / Coleg Morgannwg), Bradley Thyer (Blues / Ystrad Rhondda / Ferndale), Jack Jones (Ospreys / Llandovery Coll), Rhodri Hughes (Ospreys / Hendy / Gwyr), Ieuan Jones (Dragons / Bargoed Youth), Ellis Jenkins (capt, Blues / Llantwit Fardre / Bryn Celynog), Lewis Young (Blues/ Coleg Morgannwg).
Replacements: Elliot Dee (Dragons/ Penallta / Newbridge Comp), Nicky Smith (Ospreys / Gower College), Daniel Suter (Ospreys / Tonmawr / Neath Port Talbot Coll), Llywelyn Jones (Scarlets/ Haverfordwest / Thomas Picton), Sion Bennett (Scarlets/ Coleg Sir Gar / Narberth),Rhys Patchell (Blues/ CHSOB / Glantaf), Jordan Williams (Scarlets / Llanelli / Coleg Sir Gar)
