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Young Blues help Wales U20 to victory

8th February 2014


Wales Under-20 defied terrible conditions in Athlone to make it two Six Nations wins from two with a 16-0 defeat of Ireland.

Blues young guns Garyn Smith, Tom Williams, Ethan Lewis, James Sheekey, Ben Roach and Callum Lewis were all named in the match day 23.

On a wet and windy evening, the Wales pack stood up to be counted, demolishing the Irish scrum with props Nicky Thomas and Nicky Smith playing a key role, particularly in the second half.

With the weather having a significant impact on the game, it wasn't pretty as both Ethan Davies and Irish fly half Ross Byrne struggled with their kicking in the first half. The only points before the break came from a single Davies penalty but a superb team performance in the second half guided Wales home.

Davies added another six points soon after the break but the key moment came when Wales skipper Steffan Hughes crossed for the only try of the game. The Scarlets centre finished off a move which came from yet another powerful forward surge, Davies converting to pull his side clear.

Ireland needed to respond quickly and although the final quarter saw them dominate possession, they failed to score a point as Wales ran out deserved winners.