Wales U20s Head Coach Byron Hayward has named 7 young Ospreys in his side for Friday’s U20 Six Nations clash against Scotland at Parc Eirias (KO 8pm)
Joe Hawkins returns to the starting line-up with Harri Houston named on the wing. Benji Williams starts as lock with Ellis Fackrell, Lewis Jones and Morgan Morse providing the pack cover off the bench. Dan Edwards provides the back line cover to complete the Ospreys contingent in the matchday 23.
Wales will be looking to bounce back after leaving Cork shell shocked last Friday having suffered a heavy 53-5 defeat to Ireland.
“We have got to put last week’s game behind us and look forward to this weekend and get back on track with a good win on Friday night,” said Hayward.
“Scotland are a big side and were very physical against England and that is something we weren’t against Ireland. First and foremost, on Friday night we need to wear the jersey and put the pride back into the jersey.”
Hayward is expecting his side to be more clinical with ball in hand against Scotland but is fully aware discipline will have to improve drastically if they are to record a victory.
“We created opportunities against Ireland, we had eight line-breaks in the game and we should have scored. In the second half we had an opportunity to score under the posts if we had moved the ball to Cameron Winnett - so that’s a possible 28 points we left on the field.
“It’s impossible to win a game of rugby when you give 18 penalties away. Like I said last week, I believe if we get quality possession, we can score some good tries.”
Wales return to the venue for the first time in two years and Hayward is keen to see North Wales rugby fans spur his young side on.
“A great crowd of 8,000 people certainly spurred on the Irish boys, and it’s done that for us in the past. They are a good passionate crowd up in North Wales and all the boys are relishing singing the anthem, getting out on the field, and performing and leaving everything on the pitch.”
Wales U20 v Scotland U20, Parc Eirias, Fri 11 Feb, KO 8pm (Live S4C)
15 Cameron Winnett (Cardiff Rugby)
14 Harri Houston (Ospreys)
13 Eddie James (Scarlets)
12 Joe Hawkins (Ospreys)
11 Oli Andrew (Dragons)
10 Jac Lloyd (Bristol Bears)
9 Archie Hughes (Scarlets);
1 Rhys Barratt (Cardiff Met)
2 Efan Daniel (Cardiff Rugby)
3 Adam Williams Dragons)
4 Benji Williams (Ospreys)
5 Ryan Woodman (Dragons)
6 Tom Cowan (Bath Rugby)
7 Ethan Fackrell (Cardiff Rugby)
8 Alex Mann (Cardiff Rugby - Capt)
Replacements
16 Morgan Veness (Ealing Trailfinders)
17 Joe Cowell (Cardiff Met)
18 Ellis Fackrell (Ospreys)
19 Lewis Jones (Ospreys)
20 Morgan Morse (Ospreys)
21 Morgan Lloyd (Dragons)
22 Dan Edwards (Ospreys)
23 Joe Westwood (Dragons)