A famous first win on English soil at Under 20 level has set-up a shot at a first Grand Slam at this age group – and a possible first title and clean sweep since 2005 in the junior Six Nations.
Alun Wyn Jones was one of six future internationals in the Wales Under 21 team that last collected a title beneath the senior Welsh team 11 years ago. Colwyn Bay’s Parc Eirias will be the venue for a shot at a piece of Welsh rugby history on Friday night.
Keddie picked up a yellow card and a try in the second half and was then singled out as the Man of the Match by former England and British & Irish Lions scrum half Dewi Morris.
“It is an indescribable feeling – we were excellent from the first minute to the last and it was an outstanding effort from 1-23,” said Keddie after the game at Ashton Gate.
“We were a little bit disappointed with the try we conceded before half-time because we pride ourselves on our defence. But our attack was outstanding, especially in the first 20 minutes.
“We’ve got a lot of players back from last year and the unity and bond in the group is really strong. The Grand Slam will be in the back of our minds over the next week, but we’ll stay focussed on the job in hand against Italy.”
Head coach Jason Strange was naturally thrilled at his team’s performance in Bristol and is hoping they can improve even more before the Italians arrive in north Wales.
“To score 42 points and six tries away from home against England is a real credit to this side and I’m delighted. It was a big game for them and they really coped well with the pressure,” said Strange.
“Some of the play in the first-half was outstanding. The unity in the group is something we have worked on and that shone through – that’s a big part of success in rugby.
“There are exciting times ahead for this team and we have some really good players coming through the Welsh rugby system.
“We will give the same message to the players next week as we did in the build up to England – look for small improvements and keep working hard.”
