WHAT BECAME OF U20 HEROES?
THE threat of an approaching thunderstorm halted the match at one point as players and officials took shelter in the dressing rooms. Even Noah might have run for cover.
There was a delay of around an hour while all waited for conditions to improve.
Yet meteorology wasn’t the story of the day.
Instead, the headlines were all about a famous Wales win over New Zealand at the 2019 U20 World Championships in Argentina. Dewi Lake’s side took the verdict 8-7.
It was only the second time Wales had beaten the Baby Blacks.
What happened to the side that started that day? We’ve been finding out.
IOAN DAVIES
Sporting a headguard and boasting uncommon courage under the high ball, he was mistaken for a Welsh rugby legend during one game of the tournament, with a watching Australian player turning to his mates and saying: “What’s Leigh Halfpenny doing out there?”
That year he was invited to train with the Wales senior squad. But it’s been a slow-burn for him since.
He left Cardiff for the Dragons and then went out on loan to Jersey Reds before returning to Rodney Parade.
DEON SMITH
He featured in a wonderful postmatch picture which captured the wing going over to console beaten opponent Taine Plumtree.
The son of former Swansea RFC coach John Plumtree, the New Zealand player had been born in Wales, yet here he was with his head in his hands after defeat at the hands of a Welsh side.
Over went Smith, breaking off from celebrating a famous Welsh victory. “I didn’t say a lot, really,” he said later. “I just spotted him at the end of the game, so I thought I’d go over and see if he was OK.”
Smith has spent time with Bedwas and Newport in the Welsh Premiership. Earlier this summer, he signed for Pontypool RFC.
MAX LLEWELLYN
The 6ft 5in, 16st 7lb son of former Wales lock Gareth Llewellyn had a fine campaign in South America, adding a touch of class to the Wales back line. He is developing nicely with Cardiff Rugby, playing 11 games last season.
TIAAN THOMAS-WHEELER
His try on the day wasn’t a picturebook affair, seeing him hack and chase before touching down.
He has since played more than 50 games for the Ospreys.
RYAN CONBEER
The West Walian looked dangerous when in possession in Argentina.
He scored a try to secure victory over the host nation in Wales’ opening game, but over the campaign the team found it hard to send enough ball his way.
Conbeer has since appeared the part on the professional scene with the Scarlets, catching the eye with his direct running and nose for the try line.
CAI EVANS
Is he a full-back or a fly-half?
Ieuan Evans’ boy has even featured on the wing for the Ospreys, though mainly his time has been spent in the No. 15 jersey.
His big plus point is his kicking out of hand and off the tee with the youngster able to propel the ball prodigious distances.
His kicking game alone should make him a significant asset at professional level.
DAFYDD BUCKLAND
He took over at scrum-half from Harri Morgan, who developed an injury after a blistering display against Argentina.
Buckland sported Dragons colours on 12 occasions before heading for Pontypridd. Earlier this summer he linked with Newport.
KEMSLEY MATHIAS
Part of a useful Wales front row that proved up for the fight in every game.
Mathias is now starting to push through at the Scarlets, where he is rated as a player with promise.
DEWI LAKE
What a tournament the skipper had.
He led from the front against New Zealand, achieving a turnover to deny the Baby Blacks a try and making a mark in multiple areas.
Sure enough, he has gone places, with the 6ft 1in, 17st 7lb hooker winning eight senior caps to date.
Many more will follow.
BEN WARREN
He moved from Cardiff last year to join the Ospreys, where he hopes to benefit from the presence of an established Wales No. 3.
“I will get the opportunity to watch, train and learn from Tomas Francis,” he said after signing for the Swansea. com Stadium team.
Tightheads can take a while to develop, so Warren will need to be patient.
MORGAN JONES
Jones packed a significant physical presence for Wales U20s in Argentina and wasn’t afraid to mix it. Against France, he got in among the opposition, causing several blue-shirted players to fall out with him.
He has shown signs of kicking on with the Scarlets, with his appetite for defence obvious and some of his ball-carrying impressive.
JAC PRICE
There was a memorable image of Price celebrating Wales’ win by leaping off his feet in scenes of unrestrained glee.
The headline was all about ‘Jumping Jac flash’.
Price had a fine tournament, alongside his second-row mate from the Scarlets, Jones.
For the Scarlets, Price raised his game several notches last term, banging in a number of huge defensive displays and increasingly looking the part.
LENNON GREGGAINS
Tough and hard-working, he earned respect among his team-mates and from the coaches for his unflashy and effective displays.
Injuries haven’t helped the young Dragon since.
But there’s still plenty of hope he’ll become a significant professional player.
TOMMY REFFELL
Even the most myopic could see Reffell was a tough nut who didn’t fixate on his own welfare. Not only was he good over the ball, he also made more tackles than anyone else in the tournament. Seventy-five, since you ask.
The openside has graduated to the Wales senior team, banging in three huge performances against South Africa this summer.
JAC MORGAN
With Lake and Reffell, he was a standout player for Wales, the trio posing a major breakdown threat every time they played.
Morgan piled up turnovers and tackles and took responsibility, traits he has carried into the senior game.
Made the Wales squad for the Six Nations and won three caps before being overlooked for this summer’s tour of South Africa.
The Osprey has time on his side, though.