Six Nations: Wales U20 14-11 France U20
- Published
Wales under-20s earn win over France
Under-20s Six Nations |
|---|
Wales (7) 14 |
Tries: Bevan, Strong Cons: Costelow |
France (6) 11 |
Tries: Lotrian Pens: Debaes 2 |
Wales Under-20s battled to a first win of the Six Nations campaign with a hard fought victory over junior World champions France at a wet and blustery Colwyn Bay.
Ellis Bevan's try, converted by Sam Costelow, ensured they had a narrow lead at the interval.
Sacha Lotrian's converted try put France ahead but Wales secured a much needed win after two defeats courtesy of Morgan Strong's try.
Gareth Williams' side next face England in Gloucester on 6 March.
Despite playing against the wind at Parc Eirias, Wales were ahead after eight minutes with a fine move orchestrated by Costelow, who played in Bevan for a try.
France responded with two Thibault Debaes penalties and they put the hosts under a spell pressure at the end of the first half.
Wales' defence held firm and despite losing Dom Both to the sin bin they held on to their narrow lead going in at the break.
The visitors continued to press in the second half prop Lotrian ploughed over for a try, although they failed to add the extras.
But Wales regained the lead when a driving maul allowed Strong to go over for a second try, which Costelow converted and they held on to secure a memorable win.
Wales Under-20s head coach Gareth Williams told BBC Wales' Scrum V: "I'm really chuffed to bits. We worked on a lot of things from the Irish game and the boys implemented that really well.
"Heart is a huge element and that showed in that game along with some quality play under difficult circumstances. I'm really proud of the boys."
Wales U20: Jacob Beetham (Cardiff Blues), Frankie Jones (Aberavon), Bradley Roderick (Ospreys), Aneurin Owen (Dragons), Mason Grady (Cardiff Blues), Sam Costelow (Leicester Tigers), Ellis Bevan (Cardiff Met); Theo Bevacqua (Cardiff Blues), Dom Booth (Scarlets), Ben Warren (Cardiff Blues), James Fender (Ospreys), Ben Carter (Dragons), Ioan Davies (Cardiff Blues), Jac Morgan (Scarlets - Captain), Morgan Strong (Ospreys)
Replacements: Will Griffiths (Dragons), Callum Williams (Scarlets), Archie Griffin (Bath Rugby), Rhys Thomas (Ospreys), Gwilym Bradley (Cardiff Blues), Dafydd Buckland (Dragons), Joe Hawkins (Ospreys), Josh Thomas (Ospreys)