Taylor’s side were beaten 67-7 by the Red Rose after a promising start to last season’s tournament. Tomos Williams, Joe Davies and Ollie Griffiths are the survivors from the defeat in Newcastle. And Taylor is confident his side can bounce back in North Wales, just as they did against New Zealand three years ago.
He said: “The game in Newcastle last year was the toughest to take because we never got started. We got rattled and never recovered, we made a load of mistakes and missed a lot of tackles which is unlike us.
“We learned a lot about the players and ourselves as a management group that day. I look back to the 2011 World Cup when we were beaten by 90 points by New Zealand and then a year later we became the first team to beat them in the competition. If you can stand up against your opposite number then you have a chance.”
Twice capped prospect Dafydd Howells starts at full-back alongside wing Joshua Adams, who was a replacement in the clash last season. Williams, who was an ever-present in last season’s tournament starts at scrum-half alongside Pontypridd team-mate Garyn Smith, who also featured last year.
Captain Rory Thornton stars at lock alongside Davies with Cross Keys prop Luke Garrett, and back row Griffiths also continuing their U20 progression.
Wales senior squad member Tyler Morgan, lock Seb Davies and props Alex Jeffries and Harrison Walsh have been ruled out of this game due to injury.
England have named five players from last season’s successful Junior World Championship campaign in New Zealand, with Bath lock Charlie Ewels captains the side for the first time.
Tickets will be available on match day up to kick off from Parc Eirias Box Office behind the south stand from 2pm. £15 for stand, £10 and £5 terrace. This also includes the RGC v Narberth game which kicks off at 4pm.
