Wales U20s Gear Up for World Rugby U20 Championship Clash Against New Zealand
The Wales national rugby union team’s Under-20 side, led by captain Ryan Woodman, is set to face off against New Zealand in their opening match of the World Rugby U20 Championship on Saturday (June 18) at Athlone Stadium in Cape Town. Kick-off is scheduled for 18:00 BST.
Woodman’s return to the squad is a welcomed boost for head coach Richard Whiffin, who has named an experienced 23-man matchday lineup. The back-row forward missed the junior Six Nations tournament due to injury, but his presence is expected to provide a physical edge and leadership on the field.
Whiffin has expressed confidence in his team’s preparation, highlighting the squad’s depth and the difficult selection decisions that had to be made. Only two uncapped players, Cardiff centre Steffan Emanuel and Scarlets scrum-half Lucca Setaro, have been named on the bench, as Whiffin aims to utilize the experience of those who featured in the Six Nations.
“Hooker Isaac Young, who has not previously played in the Six Nations, has been selected to start alongside Woodman, with Whiffin praising his physical attributes and ability to bring ‘physicality both sides of the ball to put pressure on the New Zealanders.'”
The Welsh coaching staff have done their homework on the opposition, acknowledging the challenges that the New Zealand team will pose. Whiffin emphasized the need for his side to focus on their own game plan, as they look to combat the “very good ball-moving team, quick and powerful players that will look to dominate the collision.“
With an experienced squad and a determined captain leading the charge, the Wales U20s will be aiming to make a strong start to their World Rugby U20 Championship campaign against the formidable New Zealand side.
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