The way the fixtures have been set-up, and the way in which the U23 XV has been selected, means there are opportunities for a while host of players in different categories.
The obvious aim for Wales U20 head coach Richard Whiffin is to take a final look at his candidates before their opening game against France in Vannes on Saturday 1 February. Playing against an older and heavier side should prepare them for the physical battle ahead in France and then Italy in Round 2.
But while this year’s U20 wannabees will have a point or two to prove, so too will the players in the ranks of the U23 XV. There are last chances to shine for some players still bidding for a place in the U20 squad – Dragons’ front row duo Morgan Williams and Tomoya Adachi, as well as Cardiff wing Kodie Stone – while there will be another group hoping to showcase their credentials as they continue to chase their dream of earning a professional contract.
For those who are in the regional academies, like skipper Rhodri Lewis, Lucas de la Rua, Owen Conquer, Evan Rees, Walker Price, Joe Cowell and Sam Scarfe, it will be a case of performing well to show their coaches they are worth a shot at the first-team. Then there are a few chasing a contract.
Swansea outside half Josh Phillips is certainly one of those. He won four caps for Wales Under 20 and played with the likes of Joe Hawkins, Cam Winnett, Mason Grady, Dafydd Jenkins, Mackenzie Martin and Christ Tshiunza, all of who have since won senior caps.
“It’s a new and exciting challenge for all of us coming from the SRC. It’s nice to be back involved in a team like this,” said the 22-year-old Phillips.
“Not everything is going to be perfect, and there have been some scrappy moments in training, but we’re coming together. There has been a lot to cram in in a short space of time.
“We’ve got an exciting young squad and it’s nice to be able to play with some new players. It’s a great chance for players like Nathan Evans and myself to come back into this kind of environment and showcase what we can still do.
“We might have been away from the regional game for some time, but this is a chance for us to push our credentials once more. It would be nice to beat them, but we want a good game.
“Playing at Swansea this season has been a bit frustrating, but we finally got over the line against Aberavon the other week and that brought with it some confidence. I’m enjoying my time there and it is a great group of boys and the coaching staff are great.
“The SRC is going well and the U20 boys are having great exposure playing against ex-regional and current regional players. Scott Williams played for Pontypool the other week and it must have been great to play with or against him.”
Whiffin’s side face a tough challenge in opening match against the French. Wales has only ever beaten France at this level four times in 17 games in the Six Nations since 2008.
Only once have they own on French soil, back in 2013 when they triumphed 27-13 in at Stade Marcel Michelin. The last victory at U20 level was in Colwyn Bay, 14-11, in 2020.
