Ford given Wales Under-20s start against Scotland

BBC News

05-03-2025

Under-20 Six Nations: Scotland v WalesVenue: Hive Stadium, Edinburgh Date: Friday, 7 March Kick-off: 19:15 GMTCoverage: Watch live on S4C, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and BBC Sport app.
Dragons fly-half Harri Ford has been given his first Wales Under-20s start of the 2025 Six Nations tournament for the trip to face Scotland in Edinburgh on Friday night.Head coach Richard Whiffin has made four personnel changes from the team that defeated Ireland 20-12, as well as switching Tom Bowen from wing to full-back.Fresh from his Dragons debut in the United Rugby Championship last Friday against Zebre, Ford comes in with Harri Wilde dropping down to the bench."With the 10s we knew they were going to job share the role and this is Harri Ford's opportunity this week," said Whiffin."He has been great off the bench and brings a different lens to the game. He has goal-kicked well but it's different to starting a game to finishing it, so it will be interesting to see how he rises to the challenge."
Cardiff centre Elijah Evans replaces Osian Roberts with Harry Rees-Weldon returning on the wing.Flanker Deian Gwynne also returns to the starting side in place of Dan Gemine."We feel we're starting to build some depth in the squad and the way we feel the game might go will suit certain players in different positions," said Whiffin."We want to be able to test the squad as we're looking for a good performance obviously on Friday night but we're also prepping for a World Cup at the back end of the year so we need to know a little bit about our squad."Wales will be seeking a third consecutive victory in the championship for the first time since 2017."We're taking Scotland seriously as it is going to be a tough challenge," said Whiffin."We know any away game in the championship is going to be tough. Scotland will be desperate to get a win in their last home game of the Six Nations."They have a couple of key individuals who give them go forward so we will need get on top of them so we collectively can put our own game plan into action."Wales Under-20s side to face Scotland: Tom Bowen; Harry Rees-Weldon, Elijah Evans, Steff Emanuel, Aidan Boshoff; Harri Ford, Logan Franklin; Ioan Emanuel, Harry Thomas, Sam Scott, Kenzie Jenkins, Tom Cottle, Deian Gwynne, Harry Beddall (capt), Evan Minto.Replacements: Evan Wood, Louie Trevett, Owain James, Luke Evans, Caio James, Sion Davies, Harri Wilde, Elis Price.