Wales U21 make six changes for French challenge

Coach Chris Davey’s side can expect a warm reception, in more ways than one, when they take on the hosts at Stade Couturier on the outskirts of Clermont Ferrand. Temperatures of 33 degrees Celsius are expected tomorrow afternoon with tournament organisers expecting a home crowd of more than 6000 to fill the the stadium.

Davey’s changes are simply horses four courses alterations with Scarlets outside half Craig Evans, who performed well for his region at the tail end of the season, coming in at full back in place of Roger Davies whilst the Bath centre Tom Cheeseman switches from his normal position to take over on the left wing from Chris Clayton.

Ospreys scrum half Martin Roberts gives way at scrum half to Nicky Griffiths of Bridgend whilst in the pack there are places for Ospreys hooker Ed Shervington, a second half substitute for Daniel George on Friday, and Worcester’s Craig Everett who comes in for Scarlets’ blindside Rob McCusker. Aled Thomas keeps his place at outside half after kicking 23 points in the defeat of Georgia.

“We have had a decent weekend’s rest and rehydration and I think the boys are looking forward to taking on the French,” said Davey. “We have made some changes but that is in no way a reflection on the way those boys played on Friday.”

The French, who defeated Ireland 26-8 courtesy of two late tries in Issoire, will be without their Captain and scrum half Fabien Cibray (broken leg) and inspirational hooker Arnaud Heguy, who has a damaged shoulder.

Wales: C Evans; A Bramwell, D Hewitt (capt), T Riley, T Cheeseman; A Thomas, N Griffiths; R Gill, E Shervington, P Osbourne, C Dicomedis, D Day, C Everett, R Shellard, A Powell

Replacements: C Mitchell, D George, W Jones, J Connors, R McCusker, M Roberts, D Lockyer