The 20-12 triumph over Ireland at a rainsoaked Rodney Parade provided a first win over the Irish since 2018 and will give Minto and his teammates a lot of confidence going up to Edinburgh in Round 4.
Wales last won three games in the championship back in 2017 and haven’t won three in a row in the tournament since they won their only U20 Grand Slam back in 2016.
“It was the perfect birthday present for me and what made it even better was all the support we got. It’s was great to be able to catch up with the boys from my home club, Pontypool United, at the end of the game and celebrate with them,” said Minto, who still has another year to go at this age group.
“When I stood on the pitch to start my warm-up ahead of the game my boots were under water. By kick-off all the water had disappeared somehow.
“Ireland put us under the pump massively and there are going to be a lot of sore bodies this week. We had to hold out in the final 10 minutes and the crowd helped us when we were under pressure.
Evan Minto is mobbed by fans after Wales’ victory
“We aren’t the biggest pack but we work hard for each other, get off the line and force errors. It’s important to have a platform to play off and the front row gave us that.”
Richard Whiffin’s side have already played two development games against the Scots this season as part of their build-up to the tournament. They won 31-7 at home and just missed out 45-43 in the return game in Edinburgh.
The Scots lost 22-10 at home against Italy in their opening game and then 33-15 against the Irish, also in Edinburgh. They then conceded nine tries in a 57-13 defeat to England in the last round.
“The Scots will be fired up for it being at home and it is always a tough game against any Scottish side,” said Minto.|
“We have grown so much after the game against France. We’ve pieced everything together well, but we can’t be complacent going into the next game in Scotland.”
“We need to get our heads back on in training this week and next to prepare properly for that game.”
