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Jones retained at outside half for Japan encounter

6th June 2018


Cardiff Blues' Ben Jones retains his place at outside half, as Wales face Japan in the World Rugby Under-20 Championship group stage on Thursday (KO 5.30pm BST).

Geraint Lewis' side sealed an impressive victory over Australia in the opening round, but were unable to make it back-to-back victories, following defeat to a strong New Zealand side on Sunday.

Jones displayed his playmaking abilities during the win over the Wallabies, as his kick through allowed Ioan Nicholas to pounce for a crucial try.

Meanwhile, five Cardiff Blues academy players are named on the bench, with front row duo, Rhys Carre and Iestyn Harris, joined by backs Dane Blacker, Ben Thomas and Max Llewellyn, who has joined up with the squad following injury to wing Rio Dyer.

On Jones' outside, Ospreys centre, Thomas Tiaan-Wheeler, will make his debut on the Under-20 international stage.

Wales U20 team to face Japan: 15 Cai Evans (Ospreys); 14 Corey Baldwin (Scarlets), 13 Ioan Nicholas (Scarlets), 12 Tiaan Thomas-Wheeler (Ospreys), 11 Dewi Cross (Ospreys); 10 Ben Jones (Cardiff Blues), 9 Harri Morgan (Ospreys); 1 Rhys Davies (Scarlets), 2 Dewi Lake (Ospreys), 3 Chris Coleman (Dragons), 4 Lewis Ellis-Jones (Scarlets), 5 Jack Pope (Bridgend), 6 Tommy Reffell (c) (Leicester Tigers), 7 Lennon Greggains (Dragons), 8 Taine Basham (Dragons)

Replacements

16 Rhys Carre (Cardiff Blues), 17 Iestyn Harris (Cardiff Blues), 18 Rhys Henry (Ospreys), 19 Max Williams (Dragons), 20 Ben Fry (Dragons), 21 Dane Blacker (Cardiff Blues), 22 Ben Thomas (Cardiff Blues), 23 Max Llewellyn (Cardiff Blues)