Wales Under-20s are 80 minutes away from a semi-final berth at the Junior World Championship as they face defending champions South Africa in a decisive pool match. Kick-off is at 3pm BST.
Wales Seek Clean Sweep
Wales have already beaten hosts Georgia and Uruguay in the competition, but now face their toughest test against the Springboks. A third pool win would give Wales their first clean-sweep at the pool stage since 2013, matching achievements in 2008 and 2012.
South Africa have won their last eight matches at the Junior World Championship, their longest-run winning streak at the tournament. They have two wins out of three against Wales at the annual showpiece, including a 47-31 victory in the seventh place play-off in 2024.
Whiffin Calls for 'Statement Win'
Wales head coach Richard Whiffin has backed his side to pull off something special. "We want a statement win and we are prepped and prepared for it. This is the biggest game the boys will have played at this level given it's a winner takes all occasion," said Whiffin.
"The South Africans are big and physical, and they want it to be a collision dominated game. We know we have to front up. We know they are going to come Route 1. They pride themselves on their physicality, but so do we."
Team News
Wales U20s: Lewis Edwards (Ospreys); Rhys Cummings (Cardiff), Osian Darwin-Lewis (Cardiff), Steffan Emanuel (Cardiff), Tom Bowen (Cardiff); Carwyn Leggatt-Jones (Scarlets), Sion Davies (Cardiff); George Tuckley (Dragons), Tom Howe (Cardiff), Jac Pritchard (Scarlets), Will Evans (Scarlets), Tom Cottle (Cardiff), Deian Gwynne (Gloucester, capt), Caio James (Gloucester), Evan Minto (Dragons).
Replacements: Oscar Thomas (Bath), Dylan James (Ospreys), Yestyn Cook (Scarlets), Luke Evans (Exeter), Osian Williams (Bristol), Alex Ridgway (Bath), Cai Gealy (Bristol), Lloyd Lucas (Cardiff).
Physical Challenge Ahead
Whiffin acknowledged the physical challenge posed by South Africa. "They'll want to dominate at scrum and maul time. That is a weapon of theirs but something we are prepared for and we're just excited to get the chance to take them on."
He added: "We went toe-to-toe with Georgia and then the Georgians did the same with South Africa. We've got big men in our side as well and we've stood up to the big packs of England and France already this year."
"This is my biggest game as the U20 head coach and if we can back up our first two performances it would be great to have something to take home with us in terms of silverware," Whiffin concluded.
