Only openside flanker Will Jones, who will captain the side against tomorrow, No 8 Morgan Morris and full back Will Talbot-Davies retain their places from the 17-23 loss to South Africa Schools on Friday, with Cameron Lewis also remaining in the starting line-up but switching from outside to inside centre.
Lewis said, “There were a lot of positives from our opening performance, despite being frustrated we didn’t take the chances we had to win the game. We conceded too many points at crucial times and we’ll be looking to improve our handling skills.
“This trip is all about giving players exposure to the highest level of rugby in order to prepare them for Under 20 rugby next season, so every squad member will have substantial game time over the three games to help them make that step up.
“Will (Jones) has had a lot of captaincy experience both with the Ospreys and Wales. Callum Bradbury led the side well on Friday and I’m sure Will will lead by example too. Hopefully this matchday squad will enjoy the experience and put in a performance to be proud of.
“Italy beat South Africa Schools A on Friday, they play a more expansive game than many of the Italian sides we meet and are more than capable of winning if we are not up to scratch.
“Along with the rugby, this tour gives the players a huge amount, both in terms of the travel and preparation aspects of touring, and in terms of the cultural experience it offers.”
Wales play their final tour match against South Africa Schools A on Saturday at Paarl Boys High. Highlights from both remaining tour games will be shown on S4C at 9.30pm (Tuesday and Saturday).
Wales U18 v Italy (1pm, Bishops Diocesan College, Rondebosch):
Will Talbot Davies (Dragons / Solihull); Joe Goodchild (Dragons/ Coleg Gwent/ Garndiffaith), Dylan Moss (Ospreys/ Wellington College), Cameron Lewis (Blues/ Wattstown/ Cymoedd), Ryan Conbeer (Scarlets/ Sir Gar); Ben Jones (Blues/ Treharris/ Cymoedd); Connor Lewis (Blues/ Beddau/ Cymoedd), Jordan Liney (Ospreys/ Dunvant/ Hartbury), Harri Dobbs (Blues/ Cowbridge/ St Peters ), Will Griffiths (Ospreys/ Gowerton/ Gowerton), Max Williams (Dragons/ Newport High), Joe Thomas (Dragons / Penallta / Coleg Gwent), Will Jones (Ospreys/ Penclawdd/ Gower), Morgan Morris (Gloucester / Hartpury College)
Replacements: Rhys Carre (Blues/ Cardiff/ Cowbridge), Corrie Tarrant (Blues/ Pontypridd/ Cymoedd), Christian Coleman (Dragons / Garndiffaith/ Newport High), Tom Mably (Blues/ St Peter’s, Cymoedd), James Ratti (Ospreys/Aberavon/Gower), James Botham (Blues/ Sedburgh School), Dane Blacker (Blues/Cymoedd / Pontypridd), Phil Jones (Ospreys/ Gowerton/ Gowerton), Corey Baldwin (Scarlets/ Llandovery College)
