After the 21-12 win in Aberavon back in February, Wales U19 went into the game full of confidence but they could never have imagined being 13-0 down at half time against the dedicated Scots. The young dragons were out of sorts to a great degree in the first half when the Scots, well prepared by coach and ex-Glamorgan Wanderers centre Eamon John, were up and running before Wales U19 had got out of bed.
Tries from fly-half David Blair, brother of senior Scotland scrum-half Michael Blair, and centre Gary Law who also slotted two penalties put Scotland U19 deservedly 13-0 up at the interval catching Wales U19 cold.
Coach Dai Rees turned the air blue at half time but when Law put over another penalty just after the sin-binning of Pontypridd flanker Rhys Shellard, Scotland U19 were heavy odds on to carry the day. Seven substitutions, the maximum, had a salutary effect after the break as Wales U19Â were transformed into a fighting unit.
Led by captain and ex-Coleg Sir Gâr hooker Duane Goodield and with Llandovery College lock Alun-Wyn Jones outstanding in loose and line-out, the forwards upped the tempo. 16-0 down, Wales U19 were buoyed by a fine try from wing Chris Czekaj after good approach work from their best back Dafydd Hewitt and from then on, Scotland U19 did nothing but defend.
Wales U19 looked a different side, helped by the all important substitutions. With forwards and backs now on top of their game, tries from Strade prop Ian Jones, the returning Shellard and Czekaj plus a third conversion and a penalty by Thomas made everyone wonder how the Welsh had been so down beat in the first half, so up beat in the second.
The win put them up against Australia U19 for the right to finish fifth on finals day. The World Chmapionship final would be between New Zealand U19 and France U19. The Baby Blacks withstood a strong rally from South Africa U19 to edge home 30-23 whilst France U19 beat England U19 18-12, all their points coming from Perpignan wing Mathieu Bourret.
