Six Scarlets have been named in the Wales match-day squad to take on France in round four of the U20s Six Nations at Cardiff Arms Park on Thursday night (19:45).
Hooker Harry Thomas, who has started all three matches in the tournament so far, again gets the nod for the No. 2 jersey, while prop Josh Morse retains his spot at loose-head.
Macs Page (pictured), a replacement in the first three rounds, is rewarded with a starting spot in midfield, while flanker Luca Giannini comes in at openside for his first start of the campaign.
Back-rower Will Plessis is named among the replacements, as is Ellis Price – the younger brother of Scarlets lock Jac – who is poised for his U20s debut.
Seeking their second scalp of the campaign after beating Scotland in the opening round, head coach Richard Whiffin is fully aware of the daunting prospect that awaits his young side.
“In loose play they are outstanding – they have some big strong carriers that will try and get them go forward and they possess good off-loading skills throughout the team. If we kick poorly they will be a threat but we have a game plan where we think we can challenge them aerially and on the ground,” he said.
“They are a very strong team, they have a lot of boys playing in the Top 14 and Pro D2 and we know whatever team they put out will be a tough challenge but it’s one we are looking forward to as we think there are good opportunities there for us to hurt them.
“We’re pumped about getting back to Cardiff where we hope to get some good energy in the stadium over the next two games. Hopefully we can play a brand of rugby to get the fans excited.”
Wales U20s v France U20s, Cardiff Arms Park, Thursday, March 7 (19:45)
15 Huw Anderson (Dragons RFC); 14 Harry Rees-Weldon (Dragons RFC), 13 Macs Page (Scarlets), 12 Harri Ackerman (Dragons RFC – capt), 11 Walker Price (Dragons RFC); 10 Harri Ford (RGC), 9 Ieuan Davies (Bath Rugby); 1 Josh Morse (Scarlets), 2 Harry Thomas (Scarlets), 3 Kian Hire (Ospreys), 4 Nick Thomas (Dragons RFC), 5 Osian Thomas (Leicester Tigers), 6 Lucas de la Rua (Cardiff Rugby), 7 Luca Giannini (Scarlets), 8 Morgan Morse (Ospreys)
Replacements: 16 Will Austin (Sales Sharks), 17 Jordan Morris (Dragons RFC), 18 Sam Scott (Midlands Central), 19 Tom Golder (Harlequins)*, 20 Will Plessis (Scarlets), 21 Rhodri Lewis (Ospreys), 22 Ellis Price (Scarlets)*, 23 Aidan Boschoff (Bristol Bears)*