Five Welsh U20s Put In Massive Defensive Shifts In Round One Of The U20 Six Nations
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One of the more surprising results in the first round of the u20 Six Nations Championship saw Wales defeated 17-7 by Italy.
Paolo Garbisi kicked 12 points as Italy Under-20s recovered from a slow start to see off Wales in Colwyn Bay in their Under-20s Six Nations opener.
Sam Costelow’s early score had given Wales the perfect start, but from there Italy was able to seize control of proceedings, dominating both possession and territory.
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Despite Wales’ disadvantage on the scoreboard, there were 5 Welsh players who stood out, putting in heroic defensive efforts. Morgan Strong, Ben Carter, Jac Morgan, Jac Price and Ben Warren amassed an astonishing total of 128 tackles over the course of the game.
Strong and Carter each contributed 29 tackles, Morgan 26, Price 23 and Warren 21.
Strong and Carter's tally of 29 is the joint-most recorded by Opta in the tournament, level with current Ireland international James Ryan who made 29 against Scotland in 2016.
Although their opportunity to rack up such totals is in no way flattering to the Welsh team’s possession capabilities, they may take solace in the obvious willingness of their players to put their bodies on the line.
