Wales under-20 head coach Darren Edwards believes Macauley Cook’s experience will shine through after selecting the lock to lead his side into this year’s RBS 6 Nations campaign.
The Blues starlet has been handed the armband by Edwards for their opening Six Nations clash with England at Parc y Scarlets on February 5.
And while Edwards maintains he had some very hard decisions to make in selecting his team to face England, he has no qualms about heading into the tournament with Cook as his captain.
Edwards said: “Macauley is a natural leader on and off the field and was a key player in last year’s Under-20 Six Nations side, so he will bring that experience to the table.
“There were some tough decisions to be made, especially at outside half.
“It was a tight call but Matthew Morgan has had the nod over both Steve Shingler of the Scarlets and Joseff Griffin of the Blues who has been called into the squad as extra cover in that position.
“All three were in action for their Regions in the LV=Cup on the weekend and they are all set to feature in this campaign.
“At centre we also have three experienced players in Jack Gadd, who has been performing well for Bristol in the England Championship, Owen Williams, and Ben John who has been called up to the squad after recovering from injury.
“This will be a tough opener for us but it will give us a clear idea of where we are and where we need to go.
“You don’t get many bigger challenges than playing a strong England side at home to kick off the Six Nations and we need to make sure we stay focused on our own game.”
Wales U20 v England: Liam Williams (Llanelli), Harry Robinson (Blues), Ben John (Ospreys/ Aberavon), Jack Gadd (Bristol), Eli Walker (Ospreys / Swansea); Matthew Morgan (Ospreys / Swansea), Aled Davies (Scarlets / Llanelli); Rhodri Jones (Scarlets / Llanelli), Kirby Myhill (Scarlets / Llanelli), Will Taylor (Ospreys / Swansea), Macauley Cook (capt, Blues / Cardiff), Matthew Screech (Blues / Pontypridd), Edward Siggery (Pontypridd), Calum Thomas (Blues / Pontypridd), Ben Thomas (Ospreys / Bridgend).
Replacements: Rob Evans (Scarlets / Carmarthen Quins), Sam Parry (Llandovery), Cory Hill (Blues / Pontypridd), Luke Hamilton (Blues / Glamorgan Wanderers), Jonathan Evans (Dragons / Newport, Steve Shingler (Scarlets / Llanelli), Owen Williams (Blues/Cardiff). Travelling reserve: Adam Warren (Llandovery)
