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Despite his game-winning heroics against Italy, Harri Ford remains on the bench as Wales U20s prepare to host Ireland this Friday night.

Head coach Richard Whiffin has made four changes from the side that narrowly beat Italy 20-18, as Wales face Ireland at Rodney Parade on February 21.

Wales are aiming to win back-to-back Six Nations matches for the first time since 2020, but face a tough task against an Ireland side who are also fresh off a victory over Scotland.

Ahead of the tie, Whiffin said: “The boys did a decent job out in Italy and we were happy with certain aspects of our play against France as well so we’re giving the majority of the squad an opportunity to get a home game under their belts at Rodney Parade.

“Any Ireland team are incredibly well coached well organised and always have a couple of trick plays up their sleeve, so they are a team we certainly won’t be taking lightly.

“We’ll have to be on our mettle for 80 minutes but there are also opportunities for us to stamp our game on to them.”

Wales side to face Ireland:

15 Jack Woods (Bath Rugby)
14 Aidan Boshoff (Bristol Bears)
13 Osian Roberts (Sale Sharks)
12 Steff Emanuel (Cardiff Rugby)
11 Tom Bowen (Cardiff Rugby)
10 Harri Wilde (Cardiff Rugby)
9 Logan Franklin (Dragons RFC)
1 Ioan Emanuel (Bath Rugby)
2 Harry Thomas (Scarlets)
3 Sam Scott (Bristol Bears)
4 Kenzie Jenkins (Bristol Bears)
5 Tom Cottle (RGC)
6 Dan Gemine (Ospreys)
7 Harry Beddall (Leicester Tigers)
8 Evan Minto (Dragons RFC)

Replacements

16 Evan Wood (Cardiff Met)
17 Louie Trevett (Bristol Bears)
18 Owain James (Dragons RFC)
19 Luke Evans (Exeter Chiefs)
20 Caio James (Gloucester)
21 Sion Davies (Cardiff Rugby)
22 Harri Ford (Dragons RFC)
23 Elijah Evans (Cardiff Rugby)

Wales v Ireland is due to kick-off from Rodney Parade on Friday February 21 at 7.45pm and will be live on S4C.