Wales boss Allan Lewis rings changes for clash with South Africa

Wales Under-18 coach Allan Lewis has introduced some new faces to his side for tomorrow’s clash (kick-off 2.30pm) with South Africa.

The game, which takes place at HTS Drostdy, Worcester in the Republic, represents the final challenge for the young Welshmen after a convincing win over France and a last-minute loss to England in the four-team tournament.

Luke Price comes in at outside-half in place of Angus O’Brien while Torin Myhill (ankle) and Tom Phillips (shoulder) have been ruled out. Ryan Elias starts at hooker with Javan Sebastian joining him in the front-row, replacing Alex Jeffreys at prop.

There is a reshuffle in the back-row with Jordan Collier at openside, Ospreys man Jon Fox stepping up from the bench to start at blindside and Oliver Hitchings at No.8.

In the backs, Ashton Hewitt will be looking to continue his impressive try-scoring form with Steff Evans and Josh Adams completing the back-three.

Garyn Smith continues at inside-centre despite the return from injury of Tyler Morgan with Aled Sumerhill outside him.

Last Tuesday’s game with England saw Wales produce some top-class rugby, superb individual scores from Hewitt and Smith putting them 15-10 up with just seconds remaining.

But after the full-time hooter had sounded, a late converted try saw Wales end the game on the wrong end of the scoreline.

“The England result was disappointing but what was more important was the way we played,” said Wales team manager Phil John.

“We were excellent throughout the game, both in defence and in attack and I know Allan was pleased with the performances of all the boys.

“We’re really looking forward to the game with South Africa and hoping to end the tour with a victory.”

“South Africa have been impressive so far and they will certainly provide a tough test.”

They have beaten England and France and will be full of confidence, acknowledged John.

“We’re expecting a physical contest but if we defend like we did against England then we are more than capable of getting the right result,” he declared.

Wales Under-18: S Evans (Scarlets), A Hewitt (Dragons), A Summerhill (Blues), G Smith (Blues), J Adams (Scarlets); L Price (Ospreys), T Williams (Blues); K Bale (Dragons), R Elias (Scarlets), J Sebastian (Scarlets), J Helps (capt, Scarlets), R Thornton (Ospreys), J Fox (Ospreys), O Hitchings (Blues), J Collier (Ospreys).

Reps (from): A Jeffreys (Dragons), L Crump (Blues), L Garrett (Dragons), A Beard (Ospreys), O Griffiths (Dragons), D Brooks (Ospreys), A O’Brien (Dragons), D Jones (Scarlets), J Thomas (Ospreys), T Morgan (Dragons).

Wales boss Allan Lewis rings changes for clash with South Africa