Under-20s Six Nations: Wales ring changes to host Italy

Wales will go into their Under-20s Six Nations finale against Italy on Friday with five backline changes and two more in the pack.

Matty Young, Elijah Evans, Aidan Boschoff, Harri Wilde and Rhodri Lewis come in to start in Wales’ backs.

Hooker Evan Wood and lock Jonny Green also come in to start.

Wood has earned his first start at this level as Wales seek a second tournament win in the final round after their latest defeat, 45-12 at home by France.

In the wake of the injury that left captain Harri Ackerman needing surgery, open-side Harry Beddall leads Wales.

Italy are five points and a place above the hosts in fourth, but it would take a huge bonus-point win for Wales to move up a spot.

Whiffin said: “We’ve come to the end of the campaign, and we’ve got quite a few boys banged up.

“This game is also an opportunity to see some other players under a pressure situation. It’s a chance for those selected to put their hands up for selection in the World Cup later this year.”

Whiffin added: “We’ve shown elements of strong attack, strong defence and strong set piece and decent collision throughout the tournament but only sporadically and not simultaneously so that has been the message this week to the boys.

“We have shown good aspects to our game, but we have to be able to deliver all those elements together consistently.”

Italy hammered Scotland in round four, their second win of the campaign.

“They are a big team with a strong pack of forwards which gives them an in into the game around their set-piece,” said Whiffin

“We expect them to come full of confidence after their result last weekend, but from our end there are opportunities we have targeted.”

Wales Under-20s: Matty Young;Huw Anderson; Elijah Evans, Macs Page, Aidan Boschoff; Harri Wilde, Rhodri Lewis; Josh Morse, Evan Wood, Kian Hire, Jonny Green, Jonny Green, Thomas, Lucas de la Rua,Harry Beddall, Morgan Morse.