England pose a major threat to Wales’ unblemished record but head coach Geraint Lewis is confident his young side can finish the campaign with a flourish.
“So far we’ve been happy with not only the level of performance but also the level of application and attitude from the boys – we’ve had a large turnover since the last international campaign but it’s been great to have more boys exposed at this level and they have all put their hands up for selection,” said Lewis.
Wales have displayed plenty of character in their two previous games, claiming a hard-fought 31-30 win against Scotland at Swansea before subduing a stubborn Italy side at Ystrad Mynach with a 24-9 victory.
England are always a formidable outfit at age grade level and will start the game as favourites but Lewis says that his young squad will enter the match with no fear.
“They are a very strong side with some very good individuals,” said Lewis. “They are very good with ball in hand and we’ll have to be careful not to give them any loose ball as they punish any errors – they won all their games in the Five Nations and there’s no doubt they pose our stiffest challenge yet.
“Saying that, the last time we played them England won the game with the last kick of the game. We’ll go into the game with lots of confidence as we pushed them hard in that game and the boys have played and trained really well over the past couple of weeks so we’ll go in with the mindset that we are capable of winning and desperate for the win.”
Wales U18 v England U18 – Wednesday 6th April – Swansea 7.30pm
Leon Randell (Coleg Sir Gar / Scarlets), Joe Goodchild (Coleg Gwent / Garndiffaith / Dragons), Corey Baldwin (Llandovery College / Scarlets), Ben Thomas (Cardiff & Vale College / St Peters / Blues), Ryan Conbeer (Coleg Sir Gar / Scarlets Academy / Scarlets), Ben Jones (Coleg y Cymoedd / Treharris / Blues), Dane Blacker (Coleg y Comoedd / Pontypridd / Blues); Rhys Carre (Cowbridge / Blues), Jordan Liney (Hartpury College / Exiles), Christian Coleman (Newport HS / Garndiffaith / Dragons), Rhys Davies (Millfield / Bath / Exiles), Will Griffiths (Gowerton / Ospreys), Lloyd Pike (Coleg Sir Gar / Llanelli Wanderers / Scarlets), Will Jones (Gower College / Penclawdd / Ospreys CAPT), Morgan Morris (Hartpury College / Exiles)
Replacements: Iestyn Harris (Ysgol y Cymer / Treharris / Blues), Josh Reynolds (Newport HS / Newort HSOB / Dragons), Harri Dobbs (Cowbrdige / St Peters / Blues), Ben Sier (Newport HS / Caerleon / Dragons), Jim Botham (Sedgburgh / Exiles), Charlie Davies (Gowerton / Ospreys), Connor Tantum (Porthcawl / Kenfig Hill / Ospreys), Gethin Gibby (Coleg Sir Gar / Scarlets).
Wednesday 6 April, St Helens, Swansea – England A v Italy (2.30pm) and Wales v England (7.30pm).
Tickets available on the gate £5 adults, U16s free
