‘Dark places’ pay off for Wales U20

In the late fixture in Béziers, Wales’ aggression in defence was a driving component in their first ever defeat of the Australians at this level. “Having come back into the group post-Six Nations, there was a need for us to address some key defensive issues,” said the Yorkshireman, whose full-time role is with Cardiff Blues. “We decided to strip it down and take things back to basics.”
 
Gratification in working with the U20s, which Hodges has done for the past six seasons, can be prompt. “What you get with this age group is that they’ll hang off your every word. You give them two or three key principles and keep repping it and repping it and it sinks in. I’m really pleased with how the things we’ve worked on transferred themselves to the field yesterday.”
 
According to Hodges, operating an effective core blitz defence requires a team to be 10-15% fitter than the opposition. “The boys have gone to some dark places at times during our pre-tournament training camps. We’ve integrated a lot of power-endurance sessions on defence days, so they understand that when they get down to the last few minutes of the game – as they did last night – that’s what it’s all for.”
 
Wales had identified Australia’s danger men – hooker Efi Maafu, blindside Esei Haangana and inside centre Isaac Lucas – and aimed to nullify their threats. “We speak about collision dominance in this game, and we needed to have the hunger and desire to lessen the impact of those players,” said Hodges. “Watching the game back, I think our players achieved that.”
 
In the past, has there perhaps been a psychological barrier when it comes to facing southern hemisphere teams? “Yes and no,” he responded. “I think the annual U18 tour to South Africa has a big impact. They go out there and get some good results against the best sides, so there isn’t really that fear factor when they come through to this level.”
 
Hodges emphasised that the players remain grounded, particularly with the next challenge a formidable one. “The boys deserve credit, but they’re very humble. We’ve got a huge game on Sunday against the Baby Blacks, so we’ve got a short turnaround. There are a few areas we need to brush up on, because there’s no greater opposition than New Zealand. The players can go into that game with a huge amount of confidence, though.”
 
He sees parallels between his Cardiff Blues side – whose defence on the way to becoming 2018 European Challenge Cup Champions was hailed as “outstanding” by Jamie Roberts – and this current crop of Wales U20 players. “Defence has been one of the mirror images between these squad, because it 100% reflects the closeness and unity of the team spirit,” said Hodges. “If you’ve got a close group that want to work hard for one another then you’ve got half a chance.”
 
This being his last campaign with Wales U20, Hodges will be glad to have claimed a big scalp already in the tournament. When he links up with the new-look Blues coaching team, he’ll be in familiar company, with former Wales U20 head coach Jason Strange also part of Arms Park masterplan.
 
“We’ve got four games to go, and I couldn’t really ask for a better start to my final campaign. Afterwards, I’ll be able to concentrate on my family – we’ve got a couple of little ones – and the Blues. I’ve hugely enjoyed my time with the U20s. It’s been a massive part of my coach development, but it’s probably time for somebody else to have a go.”
 
Wales U20 v New Zealand U20 will be played on Sunday 3rd June, 15:30 BST. Live on S4C (TV/online).