Wales U20s get their first win of their U20S six nations campaign with a nail-biting win over Italy after Roberto Fasti missed a last-gasp penalty kick to win the hosts the match. A strong start from the hosts saw them strike an early eight-point lead with a second-minute penalty from Roberto Fasti before Jules Ducros crossed over just fourteen minutes later.
Wales took their time to get going however quickly answered back with two tries of their own a great bit of solo skill from Tom Bowen saw the young Cardiff winger bring the gap top three points before Harry Thomas powered over from a driving maul Nelson Casartelli crossed over just before half time to give the home side a five-point cushion heading into the second half.
Wales’ Harry Thomas crossed over once again in the second half before Penalties from Fasti and replacement Welsh fly half Harri Ford had the game at a two-point gap before Fasti had a chance for three points with the clock in the red only for his effort to drift wide of the posts.
Italy U20s: 18
Tries- Jules Ducros (16′), Nelson Casartelli (40′)
Conversions- Roberto Fasti (40′)
Penalties- Roberto Fasti (2′,54′)
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Wales U20s: 20
Tries-Tom Bowen (25′), Harry Thomas (31′,50′)
Conversions- Harri Ford (50′)
Penalties- Harri Ford (70′)
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Check out the Welsh U20s player ratings against Italy U20s below:
1.Louie Trevett-7
In his first start, Trevett worked his absolute socks off for his team. Put in a tremendous shift at scrum time and really laid down a marker on his opposite number. Added some huge workload to Wales’ best weapons in attack.
2.Harry Thomas-8
Nuisance around the breakdown in the first half, grabbed himself two nicely worked tries from two very strong driving mauls. Thomas was everywhere for Wales in defence putting his body on the line numerous occasions and shying away from nothing.
3.Sam Scott-6
Another member of the Welsh pack who was a huge part in grinding down the Italian pack at set piece. Held his own really well at scrum time and used his weight well in defence, often popping up with some nice hits.
4.Kenzie Jenkins-6
If the Welsh set piece was ticking it was because Kenzie Jenkins was involved. As clean as you could want in defence as well with fourteen tackles in his time on the field one of the highest of both sides.
5.Dan Gemine-6
Gemine was so unlucky to not have topped off a brilliant Welsh team try but apart from that he was really reliable for Wales. Took control in attack and never backed down from a carry. Another huge lineout weapon for the Welsh which was by far their biggest option in attack.
6.Deian Gwynne- 7
Despite leaving the field after two minutes for a HIA Gwynne never slowed down when he came back on. He threw himself at everything in a blue shirt both in attack and defence. Accompanied his flanker partner excellently being a threat at every breakdown he could get near.
7.Harry Beddall (C)-8
A real thorn in France’s side in defence with some clever chops and some sneaky turnovers, fantastic turnover on the Italian 5-meter which launched a try for Wales. Top tackler on the field and put his life on the line in a real captains performance.
8.Evan Minto-7
Minto was a monster in the already viscous Welsh defence. His heavy hits got Wales on the front foot in defence and his carries did just the same with ball in hand. Added his weight cleverly at set piece and was really clever in his approach at each maul.
9.Logan Franklin-7
Controlled the game really well for Wales in the first half. Helped Wales hugely at their mauls, constantly barking orders and relaying information to referee Morgan White. Did look slightly slow at times getting the ball out, but also sped the game down well at times for Wales when required.
10.Harri Wilde-6
Great flat wide pass for Bowen’s try in the red zone. Kicking was pretty good a few kicks to touch just a bit short but overall kicking in play was solid. Costly misses off the tee will be a frustration for Wales. Unfortunate to have gone off injured.
11.Tom Bowen-7
Amazing footwork for his try which got Wales back into the game. Always looked dangerous when he had the ball in his hand and constantly put pressure on the Italian back three. Adapted to a different game in the second half with some really good kick chases.
12.Steffan Emanuel
Incredible 50/22 in which they built their first try of the match off of. Never let off the gas in attack and carried really cleverly. In defence he never let his guard down and was solid and got his side on the go ahead.
13.Osian Roberts-6
The Welsh center partnership almost looked unbreakable and Roberts played his part in that shutting off the Italian attack really well at times. Could’ve done better in attack but never did anything majorly wrong either.
14.Aidan Boshoff-6
Looked off it compared to Bowen but still looked exciting. Looked busy with some clever lines in the field to vary the Welsh attack. In defence looked relatively solid, not much more could’ve been asked of Boshoff without the ball.
15.Scott Delnevo-6
Looked solid in the backfield and didn’t step a foot out of line. Safe under the highball which is always going to help Wales. Did look slightly sluggish in attack, with a few kicks just misjudged or passes being held too long.
Replacements-
16.Saul Hurley-6
17.Ioan Emanuel-7
18.Jac Pritchard-6
19.Tom Cottle-6
20.Ryan Jones-7
21.Sion Davies-6
22.Harri Ford-8
Ran the game brilliantly when he came on didn’t crack under any pressure and slotted two vital kicks for Wales in the end.
