Wales U20s will look to maintain their unbeaten run when they take on hosts Italy in the U20s Six Nations Summer Series on Wednesday evening.
19-year-old outside half Dan Edwards believes his side are ready for the challenge ahead.
The Aberavon youngster has featured in all the Welsh games so far during the tournament where they picked up a 45-15 win over Scotland and dug in deep to secure the 30-24 win over Georgia.
“It’s been a really good experience out here. They’re a good group of boys and we’ve really got on well together on and off the field which has made us stronger.
“We are playing a slightly different, but exciting, game. We are playing the way that suits us. It’s not just about a starting XV and a bench, it is about starters and finishers, especially in the heat out here which none of us are used to.”
“It was great to get over the try line against Georgia early on and get my name on the board. Think I may need to work on my try celebration as it wasn’t the best.”
Quick hands ⚡@WelshRugbyUnion off to a flyer against Georgia through Dan Edwards 🏴#U20SummerSeries pic.twitter.com/QmWKD2rEg6
— Six Nations Under-20s (@SixNationsU20) June 30, 2022
After the tournament, Edwards will link up with the Ospreys senior squad as part of this season’s transition group where he has his sights firmly fixed on getting even better.
“I’ve been incredibly lucky with getting advice from so many people. At Aberavon, I’ve had Aled Thomas to lean on, James Hook works with us at the Ospreys and then there is Leigh Halfpenny with the U20s,” said Edwards.
“I’m looking forward to linking up with the senior squad at the Ospreys when we’re back and having the likes of Gareth Anscombe and Stephen Myler in my position to pick their brains. You can’t really go wrong when you are getting help from people like that.”
As well as learning from the likes of seasoned professionals, Edwards has regional teammate and Wales U20s Captain Joe Hawkins battling the young fly-half for goal kicking duties.
“He’s been a great person to have alongside you out there in the backline. He’s doing a good job as skipper and is good to all the boys.
“We know what Italy are going to bring and they have the home advantage on their side. They have a few tricky individuals in their side but if we play the way we have been and get on the front foot hopefully we can turn them over and pick up the win.”