Cross named on bench

Wales U20 have named Ospreys winger Dewi Cross on the bench for tomorrow's World Rugby U20 Championship pool match against New Zealand in Béziers (3:30pm).

His inclusion means there are five Eyasses in the matchday squad, two starting (Cai Evans and Rhys Henry) and three on the bench (Dewi Lake and Harri Morgan along with Cross).

The only change to the starting XV is enforced, with wing Rio Dyer ruled out of the tournament due to a shoulder injury suffered in the opening stages of the victory against the Junior Wallabies. As on Sunday, Dyer is replaced by Dragons teammate Joe Goodchild, who scored the team's second try at the Stade de la Méditerranée.

Goodchild's spot on the bench is taken by 18-year-old Dewi Cross (pictured), who is in line to make his debut. Cross, a try-scorer against Bath in his first start for Region, is the only new face on the bench.

Wednesday's 26-21 win - their first against Australia at U20 level - means Wales will take confidence going into tomorrow's match against the tournament favourites, who beat Japan 67-0 on the opening day.

"We were delighted to come away with a good win that was full of positives against Australia," said head coach Geraint Lewis, "but we know New Zealand will be another step up for us. Thankfully we've got the desire and hunger to improve within this squad. The players are excited about pitching themselves against the best in the world at this level, and there's been a real buzz around the camp for tomorrow's game."

Wales U20 v New Zealand U20 will be shown live on S4C (including online).

 

Wales U20 team to face New Zealand 

15 Cai Evans (Ospreys)

14 Joe Goodchild (Dragons)

13 Corey Baldwin (Scarlets)

12 Ioan Nicholas (Scarlets)

11 Ryan Conbeer (Scarlets)

10 Ben Jones (Cardiff Blues)

9 Dane Blacker (Cardiff Blues)

1 Rhys Carre (Cardiff Blues)

2 Iestyn Harries (Cardiff Blues)

3 Rhys Henry (Ospreys)

4 Rhys Davies (Bath Rugby)

5 Max Williams (Dragons)

6 Tommy Reffell (c) (Leicester Tigers)

7 Dan Davis (Scarlets)

8 Taine Basham (Dragons)

 

Replacements

16 Dewi Lake (Ospreys)

17 Rhys Davies (Scarlets)

18 Will Davies-King (Cardiff Blues)

19 Lewis Ellis-Jones (Scarlets)

20 Lennon Greggains (Dragons)

21 Harri Morgan (Ospreys)

22 Ben Thomas (Cardiff Blues)

23 Dewi Cross (Ospreys)