After their six try, 37-29 win over Scotland in Colwyn Bay Ackerman’s side head to Bath’s Recreation Ground to face England in their next assignment.
You had to go back six years to the 36-3 win over the Scots in north Wales for the last win for the Welsh youngsters in their opening game in the championship. That team was led by Tommy Reffell, who was in the senior side a day later in the 27-26 defeat in Cardiff.
England were 36-11 winners over Italy in their opening game and have won the last three games against Wales. Jac Morgan was captain the last time Wales beat the auld enemy, 23-22 at Kingsholm in 2020.
“It’s a massive game next week. Wales v England is a game you dream about as a kid and we need to keep a calm head,” said Ackerman.
“It was a massive win for us against Scotland and great to get the campaign off to a winning start. It feels really good, and it was nice to get back into the changing rooms and celebrate a win – it was the first time since 2018 we’ve won the opening game.”
Ackerman scored one and had another try ruled out by the TMO and formed a very good centre partnership with Louie Hennessey. His side led 20-17 at the break but had plenty to work on before they eventually ran out winners, twice coming from behind in the second half.
Walker Price scored twice for Wales U20 on debut
“The first message at half-time was about work rate, and the second one was to stay calm and keep adding to the scoreboard. We need to focus on closing out games,” added Ackerman.
“It’s all well and good leading for 60 minutes, but it’s in those final 20 minutes where teams can push on.”
Head coach Richard Whiffin was delighted to mark his debut in charge with a win and was full of praise for the all round effort – and the backing of the crowd.
“I’m delighted for the boys. They put in a great shift, the crowd were great and I’ve got a smile on my face,” said Whiffin.
“This is something we can build on and the boys can look forward to next week now given we are off the mark. There are a fair few things to improve on, but it’s great to do that from a winning base.
“Scotland had a slight edge in the maul and used that well in the first half. When we moved the ball, we were always threatening them.
“We had to be smart about where we played and then be brave when the opportunities were there. In the second half we took those chances.
“We got all 23 on the field and we had eight new caps, which is great for their learning. They need to play to develop in these situations.
“I wasn’t calm during the game because it was a bit too and fro. Scotland had dangers when they got into the right positions, and we were always a threat in their half.
“It was about being accurate when we had the ball. When the opportunities came the boys took them.
“We will take a lot of confidence from this. We will walk into the challenge of England at The Rec and we will be raring to go.”
