U20 Six Nations Preview: Scotland Vs Wales

Scotland and Wales are looking to bounce back from defeats in Round 1 when they collide at Scotstoun Stadium in the 2023 Under-20 Six Nations. 

Byron Hayward’s side put in a promising display against reigning Grand Slam winners Ireland last time out, leading 15-14 at half time before eventually going down 44-27.

A 15-minute hat-trick from England's Josh Hathaway put Scotland to the sword, with Kenny Murray's team falling to a 41-36 defeat in a thriller at Twickenham Stoop.

Wales beat Scotland 26-13 in their only win during last year's Championship to finish fifth, one place above Murray's side.

Italy's two bonus points against France mean that Scotland are currently fifth in this year's Championship, with Wales in sixth on points difference.

TEAM NEWS 

Murray has made four changes to Scotland’s side for this weekend’s clash.

In the pack, Craig Davidson will make his Scotland Under-20s debut at loosehead prop in place of Max Surry, who is unavailable due to injury.

He will be joined in the front row by the returning duo of Corey Tait at hooker and Callum Norrie at tighthead prop.

Jake Parkinson is back in the engine room, but Harris McLeod's injury means he will be joined by Glasgow Hawks lock Ruaraidh Hart.

Jonny Morris is out, meaning Sam Derrick will make his first Scotland Under-20s start at No.8.

Liam McConnell and one of last week’s try-scorers, Rudi Brown, complete the back row.

Ben Afshar and Richie Simpson return at nine and ten, while Duncan Munn and Kerr Yule are back again in the centres.

Ben Evans will make his first start of the 2023 Under-20 Six Nations on the left wing alongside the returning Will Robinson and Dan King.

Hayward has also made four changes following last weekend’s defeat.

Jonny Green is unavailable, so captain Ryan Woodman switches from the back row to the second row.

That has created the space for Mackenzie Martin to get a first start of the campaign at blindside flanker after impressing as a substitute against Ireland.

Ospreys’ Morgan Morse replaces Luca Giannini at openside flanker, and Ellis Fackrell starts at tighthead prop, with Tom Pritchard dropping to the bench.

The only change in the backs sees winger Oli Andrew come in for Harri Houston.

TEAMS 

Scotland: 15. Dan King, 14. William Robinson, 13. Duncan Munn, 12. Kerr Yule, 11. Ben Evans, 10. Richie Simpson, 9. Ben Afshar; 1. Craig Davidson, 2. Corey Tait, 3. Callum Norrie, 4. Jake Parkinson, 5. Ruaraidh Hart, 6. Liam McConnell, 7. Rudi Brown, 8. Sam Derrick

Replacements: 16. Jerry Blyth-Lafferty, 17. Robbie Deans, 18. Moby Ogunlaja, 19. Eddie Erskine, 20. Johnny Rutherford, 21. Finlay Burgess, 22. Geordie Gwynn, 23. Logan Jarvie

Wales: 15 Cameron Winnett, 14 Llien Morgan, 13 Louie Hennessey, 12 Harri Ackerman, 11 Oli Andrew, 10 Dan Edwards, 09 Archie Hughes; 1 Dylan Kelleher-Griffiths, 2 Sam Scarfe, 3 Ellis Fackrell, 4 Liam Edwards, 5 Ryan Woodman (c), 6 Mackenzie Martin, 7 Morgan Morse, 8 Huw Davies

Replacements: 16 Lewis Lloyd, 17 Freddie Chapman, 18 Tom Pritchard, 19 Owain Evans, 20 Luca Giannini, 21 Harri Williams, 22 Harrison James, 23 Tom Florence