Wales and France both have two wins in the bag from their first two outings in the U20 Six Nations, with France currently on top of the table thanks to a better points difference.
Wing George Gasson will make his Wales U20 debut, while Billy McBryde gets his first start after coming on in the closing moments against Scotland and slotting the winning penalty a fortnight ago.
Second row Adam Beard returns after missing the Scotland game due to regional call-up, while Jarrod Evans, Owen Watkin and Dan Jones are still unavailable due to regional commitments.
Strange said, “The boys have taken a lot of confidence from the performances and results of the first two matches. Their hard work as a team paid off in coming back from behind to win both games.
“We are very much looking forward to this crunch match with both teams undefeated to date in the tournament. We are starting to play well as a team, and it’s fantastic to see the individual progress of many of the players as a result of being exposed to this level of rugby.
“It’s disappointing not to be able to select from full strength but once again, the situation give others the chance to show what they can do at this level. It’s important we get the best out of the players individually and collectively this weekend.
“France will pose a huge challenge on Saturday night. They have a formidable pack, a good driving game and have scored in their two games to date so we will need to be bold and creative in order to overcome the challenge. The match will certainly be a step up from the last two games so it will be a test of the character of the side but that is what we want in order to develop the players and maximise their potential.
“We are evolving our game continuously; we will continue to endeavour to play with adventure. We have taken a long term approach in terms of the development of the squad, and we are a long way from where we hope to be, come the World Rugby U20 Championship in June but there are already good signs that we are moving in the right direction.
“We always have a fantastic welcome in Colwyn Bay and I’m sure the crowd will get behind the team again on Saturday night.”
Wales Under 20 v France (Saturday 27 February, 7.45pm, Parc Eirias):
Rhun Williams (RGC); George Gasson (Dragons), Joe Thomas (Ospreys), Harri Millard (Cardiff Blues), Keelan Giles (Ospreys); Billy McBryde (Scarlets), Reuben Morgan-Williams (Ospreys); Corey Domachowski (Cardiff Blues), Dafydd Hughes (Scarlets), Dillon Lewis (Cardiff Blues), Shane Lewis-Hughes (Cardiff Blues), Adam Beard (Ospreys), Tom Phillips (captain, Scarlets), Shaun Evans (Scarlets), Harrison Keddie (Newport Gwent Dragons)
Replacements: Ifan Phillips (Scarlets), Rhys Fawcett (Scarlets), Leon Brown (Newport Gwent Dragons), Bryce Morgan (Newport Gwent Dragons), Morgan Sieniawski (Cardiff Blues), Declan Smith (Scarlets), Kieran Williams (Ospreys), Joe Gage (Ospreys)
Wales U20 home Six Nations tickets are available from:
Venue Cymru: www.venuecymru.co.uk, over the counter at their Llandudno box office or by calling the box office on 01492 872000 until end of business on Friday.
Tickets can also be bought from Colwyn Leisure Centre to personal callers and over the phone on 01492 577900 until 5pm Saturday and then from Eirias Ticket Office until kick-off. All collections on matchday from Colwyn Bay Leisure Centre until 5pm and then from Eirias Ticket Office. There is a £1 per ticket booking fee from all outlets
Wales Under Six Nations fixtures:
Ireland U20 24-35 Wales U20 Friday 5 February, Donnybrook
Wales U20 18-15 Scotland Friday 12 February, Parc Eirias
Wales U20 v France Saturday 27 February, Parc Eirias (7.45pm, S4C)
England U20 v Wales Friday 11 March Ashton Gate (7.45pm)
Wales U20 v Italy Friday 18 March, Parc Eirias (7.05pm, BBC Wales)
