Most of the talk in the Welsh press all week has been about the senior team going for the Grand Slam, however, the U21 team are also on course for their second Grand Slam in three years if they beat Ireland U21s.
James Ireland and Ricky Williams will both feature for Wales U21s this evening as the take on Ireland at the Gnoll. Ben Thomson is named on the replacements bench. Ricky Williams has featured in all four of Wales’ wins so far in U21 Six Nations and remains at fullback for the showdown match.
James Ireland recovered from a knee injury to start in Wales’ 31-7 win over Scotland and he also claimed the opening try. He also keeps his place in the starting line up. Speaking to James ahead of the match he said, “The feeling in the U21 camp at the moment is very positive and we are all confident about Friday night’s game. Spirits are high among the team and we are looking forward to going out and playing against Ireland. It was nice to get back involved with the U21s and start against Scotland, it wasn’t the best performance by the team mainly due to the weather conditions but it was good to be involved in a win.”
James, Ricky and Ben all play their rugby with semi-professional side Newport and all three have been in tremendous form of late which has seen them rewarded with a call to the U21 side. Ireland were runners up in last years U21 World Cup, however, they have lost a number of key players and they are something of an unknown team to Wales which could potentially be dangerous.
“Obviously we have had a look at them on video,” commented James. “They have a fairly strong pack and whilst they are not as strong as last year they do have a decent pack of forwards and fast, darting runners behind. However, we are confident of matching them in all areas of the game and in key areas feel we have the advantage. We can match them if not better them in the pack and we have quick, exciting backs who can overcome theirs. It is set to be an exciting game but if we play the way we know we can play then we should come away with the Grand Slam.”
