The Pontypridd man has made quick progress this season, developing from the Wales Under 18 set-up to Byron Hayward’s squad in a matter of months. Smith helped Wales Under 18 to victory over Australian Schools last year and has also impressed for Principality Premiership leaders Pontypridd. He crossed for a brace of tries at Sardis Road recently as his side defied horrendous conditions to qualify for the quarter finals of the British & Irish Cup.
Now, Smith is set to make his first start for Wales Under 20 when they face Ireland at Dubarry Park on Friday evening.
“I’m excited to get my first start in this year’s Six Nations campaign, I’ve been working hard so hopefully I can show what I can do,” said Smith.
“It’s a great experience with a new bunch of boys, I’m enjoying playing with them and getting to know them. The intensity is a lot higher than I usually play at but it’s been really good.
“I know most of the boys from the past, we played against each other a lot at regional age grade level.”
Wales travel across the Irish Sea after an impressive first performance against Italy. Tries from Joshua Adams, James Benjamin and Dafydd Howells guided the home side to a 26-9 win in Colwyn Bay with Smith, a replacement against Italy, one of five changes for this weekend.
He partners captain Steff Hughes in the Wales midfield with the skipper switching from inside to outside centre. Ashton Hewitt comes in for Howells on the wing while up front, Nicky Smith and Ethan Lewis come into the front row for Callum Lewis and Elliot Dee. Scott Andrews starts in the second row while Ben Roach returns to his usual back row position.
“I did what I could last week and I want to prove what I can do against Ireland,” said Smith.
“I want to prove I am good enough to play at this level and try and stay in the team. The physicality of the ruck and the speed of ball is a lot quicker at this level, it’s a step up from the Premiership but I’m really enjoying it.
“Friday will be the first time we’ve seen Ireland and the first time we’ve played against them so we don’t know too much about them. But we’re focusing on ourselves and working on our skills to attack them when we can.”
