Scarlets’ U20s quartet have again been named in the Wales squad to take on Australia in the 5th place semi-final in the World Rugby Junior World Championship at Avchala Stadium, Tbilisi, on Sunday. (KO 5.30pm).
Fly-half Carwyn Leggatt-Jones, who has signed his first senior contract with the club, is joined by tight-head prop Jac Pritchard and lock Will Evans in the starting XV, with Yestyn Cook (pictured) picked the replacements.
Head coach Richard Whiffin has made two changes to his side in the wake of the gritty loss to tournament favourites South Africa. Loose-head prop George Tuckley and second row Tom Cottle were unavailable for selection due to injury and have been replaced by Ospreys’ Dylan James and Bristol Bears’ Osian Williams. Bristol prop George Leyland is earmarked to get his first taste of action in the championship from the bench.
“This is little time to dwell on what might have been against the Junior Boks with such a quick turnaround between games,” said Whiffin.
“The boys put in a great effort against South Africa but now the focus is fully on another southern hemisphere opponent.
“This is a great opportunity for this group of players as they haven’t played Australia before. Australia will be a tough act to overcome but we are confident in the squad we have selected and look forward to the challenge ahead.”
Wales U20 v Australia U20, Sunday 12th July, Avchala Stadium, Tbilisi, KO 5.30 World Rugby Junior World Championship 5th Place semi-final
15 Lewis Edwards (Ospreys); 14 Rhys Cummings (Cardiff Rugby), 13 Osian Darwin-Lewis (Cardiff Rugby), 12 Steff Emanuel (co-capt) (Cardiff Rugby), 11 Tom Bowen (Cardiff Rugby); 10 Carwyn Leggatt-Jones (Scarlets), 9 Sion Davies (Cardiff Rugby); 1 Dylan James (Ospreys), 2 Tom Howe (Cardiff Rugby), 3 Jac Pritchard (Scarlets), 4 Will Evans (Scarlets), 5 Osian Williams (Bristol Bears), 6 Deian Gwynne (Co-capt) (Gloucester Rugby), 7 Caio James (Gloucester Rugby), 8 Evan Minto (Dragons).
Replacements: 16 Oscar Thomas (Bath Rugby), 17 George Leyland (Bristol Bears), 18 Yestyn Cook (Scarlets), 19 Luke Evans (Exeter Chiefs), 20 Alex Ridgway (Bath Rugby), 21 Cai Gealy (Bristol Bears), 22 Lloyd Lucas (Cardiff Rugby), 23 Bailey Cutts (Bath Rugby).