U18s bid to finish with win
BEN Carter retains the Wales U-18s captaincy as the young Dragons look to end the International Series with victory over France at Hugenote High in Wellington today (11.50am).
Coach Chris Horsman has made a number of changes to the side which drew with South Africa Schools A on Tuesday, but Carter is in charge again.
The Welsh camp may have failed to get a win in their two games of the series so far, but Horsman has been pleased with the progression the side has made.
“I was really pleased with the performance [against South Africa Schools A] and there were elements within the game that showed clear improvements from the opening game. The boys are getting better with every performance.
“We made a raft of changes to the team from the first game, so by the time we leave every player will have had match-time. The great thing for me, is that in the two games so far the boys have made 20 line breaks which is incredible while our defence was absolutely resolute in the last game.”
Niggling injuries have hampered team selection, but Horsman has confidence in his team to finish the campaign in style.
“If we focus on nailing the opportunities that come our way, then hopefully the boys can finish with a win,” he said.
Wales U18s: Dan John (Exiles Millfield); Jake Thomas (Cardiff Blues/Cowbridge HS), Mason Grady (Cardiff Blues/Glantaf/Bro Morgannwg), Joe Hawkins (Ospreys/Neath/Port Talbot College), Morgan Richards (Dragons/Newport High School), Tom Mathews (Northampton(Exiles)/Hartpury College), Luke Davies (Scarlets/Coleg Sir Gar); Kieran Stevens (Ospreys/Bridgend College), Oliver Burrows (Ospreys/Millfield), Archie Griffin (Bath(Exiles)/ Marlborough), James Fender (Ospreys/Neath/ Port Talbot College), Ben Carter (Dragons/ Caldicot,c), Travis Huntley (Ospreys/Bridgend College), Alex Mann (Cardiff Blues/Coleg y Cymoedd), Peter Vickers (Wasps (Exiles)/ Newcastle-Under-Lyme). Reps: Rhodri King (Scarlets/Coleg Sir Gar), Theo Bevacqua (Harlequins(Exiles)/Eastbourne College), Lewys Jones (Ospreys/Ysgol Gyfun Ystalyfera), Christ Tshiunza (Exeter(Exiles)/Whitchurch HS), Rhys Thomas (Ospreys/Neath/Port Talbot College), Ollie Howard (Dragons/Tredegar), Bradley Roderick (Ospreys/Neath/Port Talbot College), Jake Morgan (Dragons/Lewis Pengam), Carrick McDonough (Dragons/Cross Keys College), Ben Burnell (Cardiff Blues/Gartholwg).