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Lydon launches investigation into Wales’ calamitous defeat to Baby Blacks

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The WRU will investigate the reasons behind Wales Under 20s’ crushing defeat at the hands of New Zealand Under 20s during the Junior World Championships.

The WRU will investigate the reasons behind Wales Under 20s’ crushing defeat at the hands of New Zealand Under 20s during the Junior World Championships.

The Baby Blacks, who have not lost a match since the competition began in 2008, put 14 tries past their Welsh counterparts as they cruised to a 92-0 victory.

The Welsh youngsters, who came in third in the RBS 6 Nations behind England and France, were able to put the hammering behind them on Saturday as they dispatched host nation Italy to qualify for the 5th-8th place play-offs.

But the WRU’s head of rugby Joe Lydon insists the defeat to New Zealand will not be brushed under the carpet.

“The U20 team, coaches and support staff deserve huge praise for the courage, commitment and skill they showed this weekend in defeating Italy U20s,” said former Rugby League star Lydon.

“However, we fell well short some four days before that when losing heavily to New Zealand and, as a Union, we must now show our resolve to learn lessons no matter how harsh they are.

“The defeat by New Zealand hurt us all and we will not allow the questions it highlights to go unanswered.

“There is no blame here but there has to be honesty and realism. We will continue to lead the process which has and will involve all key stakeholders in order to utilise all the expertise and knowledge at our disposal.

“There will be a detailed examination of our own systems and structures along with a thorough analysis of what other nations are doing.

“We have made enormous steps forward in the structures we now have in place but to develop further and achieve sustained success at all levels, there can be no shying away from the task ahead, the scale of which was highlighted by the defeat suffered at the hands of New Zealand U20s.

“I am confident that through cooperation we can make the necessary changes that will provide enhanced and sustainable success.”

Lydon launches investigation into Wales’ calamitous defeat to Baby Blacks