Shane gets the call to face Ireland Under-20s

WALES Under-20s make just one change from the team that thumped Scotland 65-34 last time out for Saturday’s Six Nations Championship clash with their Irish counterparts at Parc Eirias tomorrow (6.30pm).

Imposing Cardiff Blues forward Shane Lewis-Hughes, above right, who started every match in last season’s Grand Slamwinning campaign, is named at blindside in Colwyn Bay in his first appearance of this year’s competition having recovered from injury.

After a record victory away to Scotland a fortnight ago, head coach Jason Strange believes his team will take a lot of confidence into tomorrow evening’s match against the undefeated Irish.

“The most pleasing aspect of that game in Scotland was our style of play, which is our biggest focus as a team,” says Strange, whose side scored an impressive eight tries at Broadwood Stadium.

“We’re starting to realise the way we want to play and the qualities we have as a side, so that’s something else I want to come to the fore at Parc Eirias on Saturday.”

However, he adds: “As well as we played in Scotland, we also have a few things to correct, which we’ll be looking to do this weekend.

“Our rate of progress from game one to game three has been excellent, though, which is mainly down to the players’ desire to get better.”

With Wales on red-hot form, and Ireland coming to North Wales on the back of three consecutive victories in the competition, Strange says an enthralling contest at Parc Eirias is nothing more than the supporters gong throught the turnstiles deserve.

“After the atmosphere they created in our last home game, the team can’t wait to get back to Colwyn Bay,” added the former outside-half.

“Playing against a quality side like Ireland is also another opportunity for us to get better.”

Ireland include fly-half Bill Johnston, who kicked 11 points in their 26-25 win over Wales in the World Junior Championships last June.