Wales U20s are confident they can go deep into the World Rugby U20s Championship this summer
Wales’ best young rugby talents will compete at the World Rugby U20 Championship in Italy this summer and will want to lay down a marker.
Richard Whiffin’s side made great strides during the U20s Six Nations, claiming victories over Italy U20s, Ireland U20s and England U20s, respectively, so will be full of confidence when they travel out to Italy. They have been drawn in a difficult pool alongside France U20s, Argentina U20s and Spain U20s but will be confident of giving a good account of themselves.
Whiffin will name his full squad on Tuesday but it would be a shock if he moved away from the bulk of the players who did well in the U20s Six Nations.
Here are the players who could really kick on in Italy.
Harri Wilde
The Cardiff outside-half is a talented footballer with all the raw materials needed to make an impact as a professional over the next couple of seasons.
Wilde is a triple threat player who has the speed and agility to break the line while his passing game is also very good and he has a lot of peripheral vision. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby.
The 20-year-old has blown hot and cold in the past but everything came together in that famous Six Nations victory over England at the Arms Park in March.
It was Wilde’s chip over the top of the England defence which resulted in a try for Steffan Emanuel while his pass at the line released Tom Bowen down the touchline to put Harry Rees-Weldon over for a score.
He will face competition from Harri Ford but Wilde will be a key player for Wales this summer.
Sam Scott
Warren Gatland saw huge potential in the tighthead prop as does Bristol Bears director of rugby Pat Lam.
The Bristol prop is a very good scrummager who gets through tons of work around the park,
Scott’s numbers were very high throughout the Six Nations whether through tackling, carrying or his work at the breakdown.
Welsh rugby in general are short of strong scrummaging tightheads but Scott is a player with an extremely high ceiling.
If Wales are going to go deep into the World Cup this summer then they are going to need a solid platform at the set-piece which means Scott is a player of paramount importance.
Harry Thomas
The Scarlets hooker was outstanding throughout the U20s Six Nations and was named player of the match for his efforts in that stunning victory over England U20s.
Thomas is a very dynamic and powerful carrier who does not find it hard making significant post contact metres.
In Wales’ backs against the wall 20-12 victory over Ireland U20s at Rodney Parade Thomas made a remarkable 22 tackles while he is also a jackal threat at the breakdown. Join WalesOnline Rugby’s WhatsApp Channel here to get the breaking news sent straight to your phone for free
His throwing in does need to be a little more consistent but the 20-year-old has all the attributes needed to develop into a top class professional over the next few seasons.
Aidan Boshoff
The 19-year-old wing will head into the World Championship in red-hot form after claiming a brace of tries in the 47-19 victory over Italy U20s at the Arms Park last Friday.
Boshoff bases his game on a high-work rate and excels in the air, defensively and on the kick-chase.
The Bristol Bears wing is another young Welshman rated by Pat Lam who believes he has a big future ahead of him.
Boshoff is also not short of gas and is an excellent finisher but there is nothing flashy about the long-haired wing who relishes the physical confrontations.
With Harry Rees-Weldon ruled out through injury there will be an onus on Boshoff and Cardiff wing Tom Bowen to get on the scoreboard as often as possible.
Luke Evans
If Wales are to mix it with the likes of England, France and South Africa this summer they will have to win the physical confrontations.
That is where the likes of Exeter Chiefs second-row Luke Evans come in.
Evans is a giant at 6ft 8in so clearly has the size to make a big impact and is exactly the profile of second-row which is in short supply in Wales. Get the latest breaking Welsh rugby news stories sent straight to your inbox with our FREE daily newsletter. Sign up here.
Having represented England U18s he has decided to switch his allegiance back to Wales which can only be seen as a positive.
He is an excellent lineout forward who carries a lot of ball and is highly rated by the Wales coaches.
