Wales U20 aware of Japan threat
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Wales Under-20 will not be taking their final World Rugby Under-20 Championship Pool match against Japan likely and have made few changes to the team that lost to England.
Ryan Elias returns at hooker, while Seb Davies comes into the side at blindside flank. Tom Phillips moves to No.8 with Harrison Keddie ruled out with a shoulder injury. The only change in the backs sees Elis-Wyn Benham make his first appearance in the tournament on the wing.
Wales U20 coaching co-ordinator Allan Lewis said he is well aware of the threats posed by the Japanese.
“We have reviewed the England game, looked at our defensive weaknesses in the first 30 minutes especially and how to improve them. It is time to move on to the Japan game now, and we are certainly not taking them lightly.
“They pose a threat, especially with the ball in hand, they attack from anywhere so it is vital we concentrate on producing a good performance that secures a win first and foremost. If we manage that and to score some tries, we will look at bonus points and points difference but we must get that win first.
“The changes in the 23, with Torin Myhill, Lee Taylor and Joe Thomas coming onto the bench, ensure all our squad members will have been part of a matchday 23 at the Pool stage.”
Wales Under-20: 15 Dafydd Howells, 14 Elis-Wyn Benham, 13 Garyn Smithn, 12 Owen Watkin, 11 Joshua Adams, 10 Jarrod Evans, 9 Tom Williams, 8 Tom Phillips, 7 Ollie Griffiths, 6 Seb Davies, 5 Rory Thornton (captain), 4 Adam Beard, 3 Dillon Lewis, 2 Ryan Elias, 1 Luke Garrett.
Replacements: 16 Torin Myhill, 17 Keagan Bale, 18 Joe Jones, 19 Lee Taylor, 20 Liam Belcher, 21 Kieran Hardy, 22 Daniel Jones, 23 Joe Thomas.
Date: Wednesday, June 10
Venue: Stadio Luigi Zaffanella, Viadana
Kick-off: 18.30 (16.30 GMT)
Referee: TBC
Assistant referees: TBC
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