Wales under 20 team to take on Scotland

Whiffin has made four changes as well as moving Tom Bowen from the wing to the full-back position in the hope that the Welsh can win three games from almost in the Championship for the first time since 2017.

The fly-half Harri Ford made his debut for the Dragons in the United Rugby Championship against Zebre last weekend and he has the opportunity to start in the Wales under 20 team campaign for the first time this season. As a result, Harri Wilde will start on the bench.

Cardiff center Elijah Evans has been selected in midfield at the expense of Osian Roberts and winger Harry Rees-Weldon returns to the starting fifteen - which enables Bowen to move to the full-back position.

Deian Gwynne will start in the back row instead of Dan Gemine as he has recovered from the injury that meant he could not face the Irish.

Richard Whiffin said: “We are starting to build depth in our squad and we think the pattern of the game can suit a number of our players this weekend.

"We want our players to be tested and therefore we are looking for a good performance on Friday night. The World Cup is at the end of the year so we have to build for that and learn more about all the members of our squad before then."

As Harri Ford made an impression from the bench against Italy and Ireland, Richard Whiffin believes he deserves his chance to start against Scotland: "We knew at the start of the Championship that the two bass players would share the duties in the number 10 shirt - and it is Harri Ford's chance this week.

"Harri has made a special impression from the bench and has put his own stamp on the games so far. He has kicked well towards the posts but you have to remember that starting a game offers different challenges compared to stepping off the bench and I am really looking forward to seeing how Harri will respond to the responsibility and the challenge."

Although Wales will be narrowly the favorites on Friday night, Richard Whiffin is well aware of the strength of the Scots: "There is no doubt that Scotland will offer us a difficult and physical challenge. All away games are very tough and as this will be their last home game in the Championship this year - they will be on fire to try and beat us.

"Scotland have a few key players who can put them on the front foot - so it will be very important for us to work hard to keep them quiet - so that we can put our own stamp on the game and execute our plans for the match."

Wales U20 v Scotland U20, Hive Stadium Friday 7 March, 7.15pm

15 Tom Bowen (Cardiff)
14 Harry Rees-Weldon (Dragons)
13 Elijah Evans (Cardiff)
12 Steff Emanuel (Cardiff)
11 Aidan Boshoff (Bristol)
10 Harri Ford (Dragons)
9 Logan Franklin (Dragons);
1 Ioan Emanuel (Bath)
2 Harry Thomas (Scarlets)
3 Sam Scott (Bristol)
4 Kenzie Jenkins (Bristol)
5 Tom Cottle (North Wales Rugby)
6 Deian Gwynne (Gloucester)
7 Harry Beddall (Leicester) (c)
8 Evan Minto (Dragons)

Substitutes

16 Evan Wood (Cardiff Met)
17 Louie Trevett (Bristol)
18 Owain James (Dragons)
19 Luke Evans (Exeter)
20 Caio James (Gloucester)
21 Sion Davies (Cardiff)
22 Harri Wilde (Cardiff)
23 Elis Price (Scarlets)