Both players featured in the recent Six Nations tournament which saw Wales win four of their five games and come close to securing a historic Grand Slam.
Defeat to England in the final game was a disappointment but after a second placed finish in the Six Nations and on the back of last year’s World Championship tournament, Wilson’s squad look in good shape.
And now the two players are focusing on helping Wales to emulate their third placed finish in 2012.
“It’s always nice to hear your name called out and it’s great for your family and friends and people who know you,” said No. 8 Bennett on his call up to the squad.
“It’s an awesome experience as a rugby player. To play in the World Cup and represent your country is massive.”
“It’s a dream to be picked for your country,” Dee added. “To go and represent Wales at a World Cup at any level is the ultimate experience.”
Between the end of the Six Nations and this summer’s tournament, both Dee and Bennett have been playing Principality Premiership rugby with Bedwas and Carmarthen Quins respectively.
The Premiership continues to play a vital role in the development of future Welsh internationals and according to both Dee and Bennett, it has been key to their progression.
“I’ve been playing in the Premiership for Carmarthen in the run up to the tournament, it’s great to be in that environment, get game time and keep fit,” said Bennett.
“A lot of the boys have been trying to put weight on and get their match fitness and in the Premiership, you want to be showing up well against people who might be in the same position as you.”
Dee added: “It’s two different styles with the Premiership and the Under 20’s.
“It’s a much faster game with the Under 20’s but the Premiership is very physical and there are a lot of players with plenty of experience. You always have to be at the top of your game.”
Dee and Bennett form part of a hugely experienced 28-man squad for the tournament in France. Wales kick off their campaign against Samoa in Nantes on June 5 before group stage clashes with Scotland and Argentina.
With the likes of Rhys Patchell in the squad, Wilson has a number of options in each position, highlighting the depth of talent coming through the Welsh system.
No better is that exemplified than in Dee’s position of hooker. Both he and Ethan Lewis competed against each other during the Six Nations, each player getting game time throughout the tournament.
“Ethan and I had a head to head battle and it was nip and tuck,” said Bedwas hooker Dee.
“I pushed him and he pushed me and we had a good relationship off the field too. We’re friends and when he took the jersey I was happy for him and vice versa.”
That sort of competition is sure to continue this summer, providing Wilson and Wales with a squad to hopefully deliver success.
Wales’ Junior World Championship squad 2013:
Forwards: Ellis Jenkins (capt, Blues / Cardiff), Nicky Smith (Ospreys / Swansea), Gareth Thomas (Scarlets/ Carmarthen), Tom Davies (Blues /Cardiff), Dan Suter (Ospreys / Bridgend), Nicky Thomas (Ospreys / Swansea), Ethan Lewis (Blues / Cardiff), Elliot Dee (Dragons / Bedwas), Carwyn Jones (Scarlets / Carmarthen), Jack Jones (Ospreys / Rovigo), Rhodri Hughes (Ospreys / Swansea), Ieuan Jones (Dragons / Newport), Daniel Thomas (Scarlets / Llanelli), Sion Bennett (Scarlets / Carmarthen), James Benjamin (Dragons/ Bedwas)
Backs: Rhodri Williams (Scarlets / Llandovery), Joshua Davies (Dragons / Bedwas), Rhys Patchell (Blues / Cardiff), Sam Davies (Ospreys / Swansea), Cory Allen (Blues / Cardiff), Steffan Hughes (Scarlets / Llanelli), Jack Dixon (Dragons / Bedwas), Thomas Pascoe (Blues / Pontypridd), Harry Robinson (Blues / Cardiff), Aaron Warren (Llandovery), Ashley Evans (Ospreys / Bridgend), Jordan Williams (Scarlets / Llanelli), Hallam Amos (Dragons / Bedwas)
Wales’ JWC fixtures:
Wednesday 5 June, Nantes (6pm): Wales v Samoa
Sunday 9 June, Nantes (5pm): Wales v Scotland
Thursday 13 June, La Roche sur Yon: Wales v Argentina (4.45pm)
Play-Off rounds: Tuesday 18 June, Sunday 23 June
