WRU international skills coach Geraint Lewis, who coaches the side along with Chris Horsman, James Chapron and Cardiff Met’s Danny Milton said, “We are very much looking forward to our first international game of the season.
“France have already played one international, losing to England away from home, so they’ll be wanting to put things right against us.
“Playing Leicester Academy two weeks ago was a useful exercise but we were disappointed with elements of our performance and result of that match (14-0), so there were a lot of lessons learned.
“We have been working hard since that game and we will be looking to put better phases together on Sunday. The extra preparation time should also help.”
Blues lock Calum Haggett will captain the side, while Wales Under 20 squad members Leon Brown and Danny Cross will start against France. Billy McBryde, son of Wales forwards coach Robin starts at outside half.
“We have a number of players who have played at this level before and the experience of Leon and Danny will no doubt benefit the side. Billy is a versatile player but he has been chosen at 10 and will look to add some control and organisation to our game.”
Wales then host England to St Helens, Swansea the following Sunday (4pm 15 March) following Wales Women’s Six Nations game against Ireland at 12noon at the same venue.
Lewis added, “It’s a quick turnaround but we will focus on France this week and look at England after that.”
Wales Under 18 to play France (Sunday 8 March, 1.30pm, Marcoussis):
Rhun Williams (RGC / Llandrillo / Caernarfon); Lloyd Lewis (Dragons/ Gwynlliw), Kieran Williams (Ospreys / Neath Port Talbot Coll/ Glynneath), Danny Cross (RGC / Rydal Penrhos / Wrexham), Shaun Pearce (Scarlets / Coleg sir Gar/ Kidwelly); Billy McBryde (Scarlets / Coleg Sir Gar/ Llanelli), Matthew Aubrey (Ospreys / Gower College / Pontarddulais); Corey Domachowski (Blues / Gilfach Goch), Ellis Shipp (Dragons / Coleg Gwent / Penallta), Leon Brown (Dragons / Newport High / Cross Keys), Calum Haggett (Blues / Cymoedd / Gilfach Goch), Callum Bradbury (Blues / Cymoedd / Beddau),Nathan Hudd (Dragons), Morgan Sieniawski (Blues / Cymoedd/ Beddau), Aled Ward (Blues / Cowbridge / Cardiff Quins)
Replacements:
Gerwyn Coleman (Blues / Cymoedd), Rhys Fawcett (Scarlets / Llandovery), Kieron Assirrati (Blues / Coleg y Cymoedd / Wattstown), Shane Lewis Hughes (Blues / Cowbridge Comprehensive), Joe Gaughan (Blues /Cowbridge / Glamorgan Wanderers), Connor Edwards (Dragons / Croesyceiliog RFC), Arwel Robson (Dragons / Coleg Gwent / Penallta), Efan Jones (RGC / Rydal Penrhos / Wrexham)
Travelling reserve: Steff Thomas (Scarlets / Coleg Sir Gar)
