Wales vs England Junior World Cup Final 2013.

SUNDAY 23 JUNE - KO 17:45 - Stade de la Rabine in Vannes FRANCE
 


Coverage -


Sky Sports 2 - 17:30 - 20:00
TG4 - 17:35 - 19:37
S4C - 17:35 – 19:37

Referee: Mike Fraser (New Zealand)

Assistant Referees: Andrew Lees (Australia), Mathieu Noirot (France)


Wales:
Jordan Williams (Scarlets/Llanelli); Ashley Evans (Ospreys/Bridgend), Steffan Hughes (Scarlets/Llanelli), Jack Dixon (Dragons), Hallam Amos (Dragons/Newport); Sam Davies (Ospreys/Swansea), Rhodri Williams (Scarlets/Llandovery); Gareth Thomas (Scarlets/Carmarthen Quins), Elliot Dee (Dragons/Bedwas), Nicky Thomas (Ospreys/Swansea), Carwyn Jones (Scarlets/Carmarthen), Rhodri Hughes (Ospreys/Swansea), Jack Jones (Ospreys/Rovigo), Ieuan Jones (Dragons/Newport), Ellis Jenkins (capt, Blues/Cardiff).

Replacements:
Ethan Lewis (Blues/Cardiff), Thomas Davies (Blues/Cardiff), Dan Suter (Ospreys/Bridgend), James Benjamin (Dragons/Bedwas), Daniel Thomas (Scarlets/Llanelli), Joshua Davies (Dragons/Bedwas), Owen Jenkins (Blues/Pontypridd), Thomas Pascoe (Blues/Pontypridd).



England:
Jack Nowell (Exeter Chiefs); Anthony Watson (Bath Rugby), Harry Sloan (Harlequins), Sam Hill (Exeter Chiefs), Ben Howard (Worcester Warriors); Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs), Alex Day (Northampton Saints); Alec Hepburn (London Wasps), Luke Cowan-Dickie (Exeter Chiefs), Scott Wilson (Newcastle Falcons); Tom Price (Leicester Tigers), Dominic Barrow (Leeds Carnegie), Ross Moriarty (Gloucester Rugby), Matt Hankin (Saracens), Jack Clifford (Harlequins) (capt).

Replacements:
Scott Spurling (Saracens), Danny Hobbs-Awoyemi (Northampton Saints), Tom Smallbone (London Irish), Harry Wells (Leicester Tigers), David Sisi (Bath Rugby), Callum Braley (Bristol Rugby), Ollie Devoto (Bath Rugby), Henry Purdy (Leicester Tigers).


What a fantastic semi final stage to lead to this great finale to the annual Junior comp.


Wales and England me in the finale of the Six Nations where England's massive and talented pack tore Waes apart exploiting their weakness at scrum. The Welsh lads seem to have improved their scrum massively and tonight took SA to pieces at the scrum.

It is wonderful to see two NH teams in the final, both deservedly so.

When is the final?

Ozzy3213 wrote:When is the final?

Sunday

Thanks

Yes two great performances & England beating the BBs for the first time.
Also I think it was mentioned this is the first time the BBs haven't made the final.

England must be massive favourites going into this match, beating Wales in their last encounter and beating the mighty BBs in the semi to reach their fourth final.

Wales have put in some great U20 performances in the last few years, we are reaping the rewards in the senior team. This welsh team have some talented players but will they be able to deal with England's massive forwards?

I was in a foul mood after the Brumbies loss but these two results brought a smile back.

maestegmafia wrote:England must be massive favourites going into this match, beating Wales in their last encounter and beating the mighty BBs in the semi to reach their fourth final.

Wales have put in some great U20 performances in the last few years, we are reaping the rewards in the senior team. This welsh team have some talented players but will they be able to deal with England's massive forwards?

England lost to SA in the pool,

Wales beat SA in the semis

yes great to see 2 northern hemisphere teams in the final. Rugby at this level is great to watch, a bit more honest than senior level but fast and powerful, looking forward to the final.

wales606 wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:England must be massive favourites going into this match, beating Wales in their last encounter and beating the mighty BBs in the semi to reach their fourth final.

Wales have put in some great U20 performances in the last few years, we are reaping the rewards in the senior team. This welsh team have some talented players but will they be able to deal with England's massive forwards?

England lost to SA in the pool,

Wales beat SA in the semis

That is true. Could be a cracking match.

What a difference ten years makes!

SUNDAY 23 JUNE - KO 17:45
 
Sky Sports 2 - 17:30 - 20:00
TG4 - 17:35 - 19:37
S4C - tba, it will be shown 'live' just not sure of actual programme timings yet

Merge with this thread ? https://www.606v2.com/t44781-in-other-news-the-jwc-kicks-off-this-weds

Are the squads set, or will Wales (or England for that matter) be able to parachute in their U20 players who went on the summer tours?  I'm thinking players like Rhys Patchell who went to Japan with the senior squad.  It would be a bit naughty, sneaky even, but must be tempting if the squads are not set.

Griff wrote:Are the squads set, or will Wales (or England for that matter) be able to parachute in their U20 players who went on the summer tours?  I'm thinking players like Rhys Patchell who went to Japan with the senior squad.  It would be a bit naughty, sneaky even, but must be tempting if the squads are not set.

Squads are set.

Well done to both teams.

I noticed in the U20s 6 nations games, the Welsh players were smaller but more skillful whilst the English players were just huge and bullied them.

Saying that, our forwards gave the SA front 8 a battle up front so who knows what will happen Sunday ?

Looking forward to watching this should be great.

More so though its great  osee 2 NH teams in the final.

We just need to make sure that these achievements are used to push the senior teams on to the next level and finally bridge the gap.

t1000advancedprototype wrote:What a difference ten years makes!

Should be a craking game. If Wales do win T, I'm concerned you might spontaneously combust with excitement.

What gap?

The Gap that the SH is still quite a way ahead of the NH...

I don't think SA or Aus are that different or far ahead of ENG or Wales to be honest.
 
its just the style of play (weather conditions don't help) and how the Refs manage the game that are the real differences imo.
 
I believe if more clubs start putting in plastic pitches then the so called gap will disappear, until we play NZ that is!

VictorU3 wrote:What gap?

The one at Bank Underground Station?

Was a good tournament for NH sides.

Ireland beat Australia and narrowly lost to NZ
Wales beat SA
England beat NZ

Under 20s 6N is where its at.

By the way the size if the England players is ridiculous. Seem to get bigger every year.

This is great for NH rugby. C'mon Wales!

By the way the size if the England players is ridiculous. Seem to get bigger every year.

Here in lies a potential problem aswell though...

When players are big for their age they use their physicality, but in a way at the expense of improving their skills aswell. Maybe England in the past have been guilty of this...and i think we have suffered at senior level because of that, as their physicality is matched in the seniors and they havent developed their skills enough.

Hopefully now with the Academies apparently performing superbly...they are working on their skills ASWELL as being huge....and this can only benefit us in the long run.

For v2 606 sake... why lord did you arrange this fixture???? Next Monday is going to be bloodbath.

No next Sunday is going to be a blood bath

Lets hope not...!

The build up to this match is fantastic, great rivalry from the six nations leading into the game.

GeordieFalcon wrote:

By the way the size if the England players is ridiculous. Seem to get bigger every year.

Here in lies a potential problem aswell though...

When players are big for their age they use their physicality, but in a way at the expense of improving their skills aswell. Maybe England in the past have been guilty of this...and i think we have suffered at senior level because of that, as their physicality is matched in the seniors and they havent developed their skills enough.

Hopefully now with the Academies apparently performing superbly...they are working on their skills ASWELL as being huge....and this can only benefit us in the long run.

The skills looked OK from what I saw yesterday

They are obviously both good teams.

Wales have a hell of a defence, England relentless big and skillfull forwards.

Sam Davies has been so much more effective at flyhalf than in the six nations. Jordan Williams fast feet and pace have caused every defence problems when he gets the ball. Wales have very quick athletic wingers too.

The skills amongst the forwards was the most pleasing part yesterday. England dominated the breakdown through technique and body angle. For 60 minutes they made a mess of everything the Kiwis attempted to do. If that can transfer through the youth ranks and up to senior rugby, I will be very pleased.

I actually think this England team looks considerably smaller than some past teams. The only real big 'un compared to his peers I think is Sisi, who is second choice it seems. The front row isn't massive compared to other teams, the 2nd row looked tall but not bulky exactly. Would be interested to see the weights of packs. 

I think the forwards showed better skills than I've seen in a long while and good aggression hat made up for a lack of overwhelming bulk. A lot of the perception of size comes from good power to weight ratios and some excellent body positioning making our counter-rucking look extremely explosive.

I would agree with Geordie though - there was a bit too much SA type bosh against the BBs - but it did at least mean players were straightening and trying to suck defenders in first before going wide.

So whats with this chap Moriarty doing playing for England?

Father and Uncle both played for Wales (he was born in England though as his Da was playing league). Educated in Wales but moves to Gloucester academy and caps at England U18 & U20s.

I understand why he may have not been picked given he doesn't play in Wales but surely he cannot put on a England full test jersey???

Looked a good player mind.

fa0019 wrote:So whats with this chap Moriarty doing playing for England?

Father and Uncle both played for Wales (he was born in England though as his Da was playing league). Educated in Wales but moves to Gloucester academy and caps at England U18 & U20s.

I understand why he may have not been picked given he doesn't play in Wales but surely he cannot put on a England full test jersey???

Looked a good player mind.

From whats been written here he was born in England but spent most of his life in Wales. In theory he could choose either country as an adult, especially as playing for England U20's doesnt tie him to England.

A bit like Tom Shanklin... but he played whole junior career and the first half of pro career in England yet still got recognised by Wales juniors.

Why wouldn't the WRU go for Moriarty... unless he turned them down over England??? Puzzling situation.

Isnt it said above that Wales u20 dont pick players playing outside of Wales? Is that true or not. Would explain why he didnt play for Wales.

I would also imagine he would play senior for wales if selected.

I was talking about this with a friend, it is confusing. But his mother could well be English, he could have friends in the England set up who he enjoys to play with. He looks a handfull. Would be nice to see a region sign him, but in the end it's his choice.

That's the first time I've seen Moriarty look decent to be fair. Glos fans may put me right, but I didn't see him as a future international prospect.

fa0019 wrote:So whats with this chap Moriarty doing playing for England?

Father and Uncle both played for Wales (he was born in England though as his Da was playing league). Educated in Wales but moves to Gloucester academy and caps at England U18 & U20s.

I understand why he may have not been picked given he doesn't play in Wales but surely he cannot put on a England full test jersey???

Looked a good player mind.

Doesn't stop him playing for Wales at senior level thankfully. Looks a good prospect. His father and Uncle were great players.

From BBC


Junior World Championship 2013: Wales relishing England final
Defence coach Richard Hodges says Wales Under-20s are relishing a Junior World Championship final against England.
Wales reached Sunday's final for the first time following their dramatic 18-17 semi-final victory over South Africa in France.
England booked their place in the final with an equally impressive 33-21 win over four-time winners New Zealand.
"It's a World Cup final and you couldn't wish for better opponents than England," Hodges said.
Continue reading the main story

“This is a huge occasion and we need to make sure we play the game and not the occasion”

Richard HodgesWales defence coach
"They'll be clear favourites, as Argentina were [in the pool stage] and as South Africa were.
"But if we can beat Argentina and can beat South Africa then we can certainly beat England."
Sam Davies' last-minute conversion of Ashley Evans' try secured a thrilling win over South Africa to book Wales' place in the final.
"The last thing we spoke to them about before we left the team room was that this group would go and make some history," Hodges said.
"And that's exactly what they did. And the circumstances… were pretty extraordinary.
"We were a bit worried in the coaches' box that maybe we had exhausted the opportunities that were going to be presented to us to win the game.
"Sam's been very, very consistent to a particular high level during the course of this tournament with his kicking game and his attacking game.
"He deserved huge credit for that kick."
England beat Wales 28-15 to secure the U20 Six Nations Grand Slam in March but Hodges said that result in Colwyn Bay would have no bearing on Sunday's final in Vannes.
"We were quite disappointed with our performance that day," Hodges added.
"We didn't present them with too many challenges if we're honest.
"It's going to be tough. They've got a particularly dangerous back three and a big heavy pack.
"With all due respect to where we've come from in that Six Nations tournament, this is a one-off World Cup final.
"Not on many occasions coaches or players will be able to say they've partaken in a World Cup final.
"This is a huge occasion and we need to make sure we play the game and not the occasion."

Brilliant to see two NH sides in the final. Here's hopeing for a great final (and a Wales win).

Hopefully the NH can repeat this good showing every year!

Some of Jordan Williams' highlights so far

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=2Cirf_RfiEI

an exciting prospect for us Welsh

Coleman wrote:I was talking about this with a friend, it is confusing. But his mother could well be English, he could have friends in the England set up who he enjoys to play with. He looks a handfull. Would be nice to see a region sign him, but in the end it's his choice.

He's lived about half his life in England. 1st 6 years of his life and the last two.

Also underage teams tend to be about where you're living than anything else and oesn't tie you in (unless you play for Wales against France of course, that's different)

Not only has Jordan Williams impressed in term of his stepping, his hands and creativity with the ball is amazing to watch. 

How is Scott Wilson doing for England? As I Scotland fan I am desperately hoping we can persuade him to play for the land of his birth, good tightheads are hard to find and he looks very good indeed.

I have put information on here before about Ross Moriarty.

Basically his parents are Welsh (from what I hear), however his Dad went to play rugby league for St Helens in the late 80's, so his son was born in St Helens. 
When Union went professional his Dad moved back to Swansea, and Ross grew up there.  He went to school at Glyncollen Primary School and Morriston Comprehensive in Swansea.  He also represented Swansea and West Wales schools and was part of the Ospreys academy.  In the Ospreys academy he was normally a back line player, more often than not a full back.  When he completed his Comprehensive schooling he went to study at Hartpury College, Gloucester and joined their college rugby team.  He was then spotted by Gloucester RFC scout and offered a place in their academy.  They then converted him to flanker, where he now plays.  

I've been told by someone who says he knew him growing up that because he doesn't play in Wales he isn't eligible for Wales U20, as they prefer to use players in their own system.  Basically if Wales U20 picked players outside Wales it might encourage English clubs to poach young Welsh players for their academies.  Because Moriarty wasn't allowed to play for Wales due to being in Gloucester he decided to play for England.  Though he is aware playing for England U20 does not mean he can't represent Wales in the future. 

I guess it's going to be a case of if he develops into an international class player it will depend on which country asks him first.

will be interesting to see if the england team can recover after a 4 day turnaround. i expect them to look knackered in the last 20 minutes of the final