Wales U18 share the spoils with France

Head Coach Simon King was delighted with the fight back his players produced after being 10-3 down at the end of the first period and 24-10 in the second.

“The players were magnificent in the third period and scored 19 points to go 29-24 ahead. In the end, it took a try with the last move of the match from the French to earn them the draw,” said King, who has taken over as U18 coach after two seasons with Wales U21. “It was a hugely valuable work out for the squad and we were able to use all twenty-six players during the game. Going to France for our first game as a team and getting a draw is a positive step forward for us.

“They had a huge set of forwards, but we met them head on and gave an excellent account of ourselves up front. There is great talent in this squad both behind the scrum and at forward and we can now move on to our next game against the English Academies at Clifton with real confidence.”

Wales skipper Dan Biggar scored his side’s only points in the first period with a penalty and then full back James Loxton scored a try which Joe Deacon converted in the second period. Then came the onslaught in the final period.

Wales were awarded a penalty try, which Deacon converted, before hooker Ricky Guest crashed over for his side’s third try. Ashley Beck then crossed the French line for a try which Deacon converted to put the visitors ahead.