Harry Beddall takes over as captain of Wales under-18 when they take on Ireland in the Men’s U18 Six Nations festival on Wednesday (KO 1.20pm).

The Cardiff back row is included amongst the four changes from the opening day defeat to England, with three of his Blue and Blacks team-mates also named in the starting XV.

Beddall is joined on the flanks by Cardiff’s Lucas de la Rua, who crossed the whitewash against England in the first round. Ospreys’ Wales under-20 international, Morgan Morse, completes the back row.

Kenzie Jenkins makes a switch to the boiler room, linking up with Harlequins’ Jonny Green, with centre Louie Hennessey retaining his starting spot.

Having missed the encounter against England, hooker Saul Hurley is named on the bench alongside fellow front row Ioan Emanuel and half back duo Orson James and Harri Wilde.

O’Brien said: “We’re a young group and we’ve made a few changes going into the Ireland game. They will be another challenge, especially in the contact area.

“It has been great to see the boys together 24 hours a day and we’ve seen a big growth in them on and off the field.”

Wales U18s: Huw Anderson (Dragons); Walker Price (Dragons), Louie Hennessey (Cardiff Rugby/Hartpury), Harri Ackerman (Dragons), Gabe Lacey (Bristol Bears); Sam Berry (Dragons), Rhodri Lewis (Ospreys); Morgan Williams (Dragons), Isaac Young (Scarlets), Kian Hire (Ospreys), Jonny Green (Harlequins), Kenzie Jenkins (Cardiff Rugby), Lucas de la Rua (Cardiff Rugby), Harry Beddall (Cardiff Rugby, Capt), Morgan Morse (Ospreys)

Replacements: Saul Hurley (Cardiff Rugby), Ioan Emanuel (Cardiff Rugby), Connal Couch (Dragons), Nick Thomas (Dragons), Gethyn Cannon (Dragons), Orson James (Cardiff Rugby), Harri Wlide (Cardiff Rugby), Cam Davies (Dragons), Ioan Duggan (Dragons), Isaac Morgan (Ospreys), Luca Giannini (Scarlets)