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Wales U20s make nine changes for must-win game against France

BBC 2024/10/6
Wales U20s head coach Richard Whiffin
Image caption, Richard Whiffin replaced Mark Jones as head of Wales' Under-20s side

Wales have made nine changes for their must-win Under-20 World Championship match against France on Tuesday.

Richard Whiffin's side are currently on track to make the semi-finals, with the three group winners and best runner-up qualifying.

But defeat against France on Tuesday will see Les Blues progress to the final four.

Whiffin has named a completely different front row to the one which started in their 31-10 win over Spain on Thursday.

In come Josh Morse, Issac Young and Sam Scott, while Osian Thomas and Lucas de la Rua also come into the pack in place of Nick Thomas and Owen Conquer.

Macs Page and Aidan Boshoff start on the wings, replacing Harry Rees-Weldon and Kodi Stone, with Louie Hennesseey starting at outside centre over Elijah Evans.

Captain Ryan Woodman, lock Jonny Green and back-row Morgan Morse remain the only three players to have started every game for Wales in the tournament.

“This is a huge game for the boys as our destiny is in our own hands if we want to make the semi-finals,” said Whiffin.

“We face a huge challenge against the defending champions. They will be hurting after their narrow defeat to New Zealand so we know what to expect. But we have prepared well and name a side which I believe can take the game to France.

"We think anyone can start and anyone can sit on the bench and provide an impact.

"All 30 players have now had a taste of footy which can only be better for the boys leading into the back end of the tournament.”

Wales U20s: Matty Young (Cardiff Rugby); Macs Page (Scarlets), Louie Hennessey (Bath Rugby), Steffan Emanuel (Cardiff Rugby), Aidan Boshoff (Bristol Bears); Harri Ford (Dragons RFC), Ieuan Davies (Bath Rugby); Josh Morse (Scarlets), Isaac Young (Scarlets), Sam Scott (Bristol Bears), Jonny Green (Harlequins), Osian Thomas (Leicester Thomas), Ryan Woodman (Dragons RFC, Captain), Lucas de la Rua (Cardiff Rugby), Morgan Morse (Ospeys)

Replacements: Harry Thomas (Scarlets), Jordan Morris (Dragons RFC), Kian Hire (Ospreys), Nick Thomas (Dragons RFC), Owen Conquer (Dragons RFC), Rhodri Lewis (Scarlets), Harri Wilde (Cardiff Rugby), Elijah Evans (Cardiff Rugby)

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