Wales head coach Gareth Williams has made five changes for tomorrow’s third round group match against against Fiji in the U20 World Rugby Championship in Club de Rugby Ateneo Inmaculada, Santa Fe.
In the backline, hard running winger Deon Smith replaces Ryan Conbeer while Leicester Tigers’ Sam Costelow gets a chance to impress from the outset at inside centre with Max Llewellyn dropping down to the bench.
Up front, Dragons loosehead Tom Devine comes in for Kemsley Mathias, whilst on the other side of the scrum Bristol Bears tighthead prop Nick English replaces Ben Warren.
Scarlets lock Morgan Jones earns a starting spot after impressing from the bench in Saturday’s defeat to France, replacing Ed Scragg.
It will be the first time Wales have played at the venue with their two previous outings held in Rosario where a victory and loss have been recorded against Argentina and France respectively.
"We have taken lessons from our defeat to France, but just as important has been the refreshing mindset the players have displayed since Saturday and we’re all now looking forward to Fiji,” said Williams.
The South Sea Islanders may have been on the receiving end of two defeats against Argentina and France, but their flair has clearly been in evidence with some brilliant ball handling and well taken tries.
"Fiji have played some excellent stuff this tournament, and have been a challenge early on for both France and Argentina,” added Wiiliams.
“Therefore returning to the focus of the first two games is key for us. We cannot lose sight that winning games has been a focus of ours coming to this World Cup and we have three more tough challenges to do that.”
U20 World Rugby Championship
Wales U20 v Fiji U20
Club de Rugby Ateneo Inmaculada, Santa Fe
12 June, KO 1pm UK
Wales under-20: 15 Ioan Davies (Cardiff Blues), 14 Tomi Lewis (Scarlets), 13 Tiaan Thomas-Wheeler (Ospreys), 13 Sam Costelow (Leicester Tigers), 11 Deon Smith (Dragons), 10 Cai Evans (Ospreys), 9 Dafydd Buckland (Dragons), 1 Tom Devine (Dragons), 2 Dewi Lake (Capt – Ospreys), 3 Nick English (Bristol Bears), 4 Morgan Jones (Scarlets), 5 Jac Price (Scarlets), 6 Iestyn Rees (Scarlets), 7 Tommy Reffell (Leicester Tigers), 8 Jac Morgan (Aberavon/Scarlets)
Reserves: Will Griffiths (Dragons), Garin Lloyd (Ospreys), Rhys Davies (Ospreys), Kemsley Mathias (Scarlets), Ben Warren (Cardiff Blues). Ed Scragg (Dragons), Lennon Greggains (Dragons), Harri Morgan (Ospreys), Ryan Conbeer (Scarlets), Max Llewellyn (Cardiff Blues), Rio Dyer (Dragons)
