Harry Thomas will again wear the No. 2 jersey as Wales U20s take on the auld enemy England at Bath’s Recreation Ground on Friday night (KO 7.15pm, S4C).
Thomas started in the win over Scotland in Colwyn Bay last weekend, while Pembrokeshire centre Macs Page is again among the replacements.
There are three changes to the starting line-up – all in the pack – plus two positional switches.
Freddie Chapman replaces Jordan Morris at loose-head prop while RGC’s tigh-thead prop Patrick Nelson will make his debut on the other side of the scrum. Leicester Tigers’ Harry Beddall is elevated from the bench to get the nod at openside flanker.
“These are the times you live for – 14,500 at the Rec, a great stadium, England v Wales, the boys will get a lot out of the experience, and these are the things we want our younger players to experience,” said U20s head coach Richard Whiffin.
“The boys that played against Scotland did a great job. We saw this as an opportunity to bring some new guys in for the England game – they have an opportunity to match the muscle in set piece and also provide a bit of difference around the field.”
Wales U20s v England U20s – The Recreation Ground, Friday 9 February, KO 7.15pm
15 Huw Anderson (Dragons)
14 Harry Rees-Weldon (Dragons)
13 Louie Hennessey (Bath Rugby)
12 Harri Ackerman (Dragons – Capt)
11 Walker Price (Dragons)
10 Harri Wilde (Cardiff Rugby)
9 Ieuan Davies (Bath Rugby);
1 Freddie Chapman (Ospreys)
2 Harry Thomas (Scarlets)
3 Patrick Nelson (RGC)*
4 Jonny Green (Harlequins)
5 Osian Thomas (Leicester Tigers)
6 Lucas de la Rua (Cardiff Rugby)
7 Harry Beddall (Leicester Tigers)
8 Morgan Morse (Ospreys)
Replacements
16 Evan Wood (Cardiff Met)
17 Jordan Morris (Dragons)
18 Sam Scott (Midlands Central)
19 Nick Thomas (Dragons)
20 Owen Conquer (Ebbw Vale)
21 Rhodri Lewis (Ospreys)
22 Harri Ford (RGC)
23 Macs Page (Scarlets)
*Uncapped