Mann and Winnett return to Wales under-20 line-up

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Alex Mann and Cameron Winnett return to the Wales under-20 line up for the final clash of their Six Nations campaign against Italy on Sunday (KO 2.00pm).

The Cardiff duo are amongst the eight changes made for the Parc Eirias clash, as Byron Hayward’s side look to sign off their campaign on a high.

Mann, who was suspended for the last match after being shown a red card against England in Round Three, is handed the number six jersey and regains the captaincy. He joins Tom Cowan and Ben Moa in the back row.

Winnett is named at full-back as Hayward reshuffles his backline with Joe Hawkins starting at outside half and Scarlets wing Josh Hathaway making his debut.

A further two Blue and Blacks are named on the bench in prop Nathan Evans and flanker Ethan Fackrell. Cardiff Met loosehead prop, Joe Cowell, is also included amongst the replacements.

Wales defeated Italy last summer in the Six Nations but the last time the two teams met in North Wales Italy came away victorious, so Hayward is aware of the threat they pose.

“Italy are a very strong team at U20s level,” he said.

“To beat England, defensively they were outstanding that day, so we have to make sure we play in the right areas and be a bit smarter with our game management. Particularly from last week in the first half we could have kicked tactically better, and we have to make sure we execute our chances.

“It’s 50-50 about performance and development. With this game on Sunday we would have used 36 players and that’s an important thing as well.

“Giving players opportunities, providing they deserve it and work hard for it because it’s not about giving caps away. You have got to earn the cap but I think we have got it right in terms of balance.”

Wales U20s v Italy U20s, Parc Eirias, Sunday 20 March, KO 2pm (BBC1 Wales)
15 Cameron Winnett (Cardiff Rugby)
14 Josh Hathaway (Scarlets)
13 Bryn Bradley (Harlequins)
12 Eddie James (Scarlets)
11 Oli Andrew (Dragons)
10 Joe Hawkins (Ospreys)
9 Morgan Lloyd (Dragons);
1 Cameron Jones (Ospreys)
2 Morgan Veness (Ealing Trailfinders)
3 Adam Williams (Dragons)
4 Benji Williams (Ospreys)
5 Ryan Woodman (Dragons)
6 Alex Mann (Cardiff Rugby – Capt)
7 Tom Cowan (Bath Rugby)
8 Ben Moa (Dragons)

Replacements:
16 Connor Chapman (Dragons)
17 Joe Cowell (Cardiff Met)
18 Nathan Evans (Cardiff Rugby)
19 Lewis Jones (Ospreys)
20 Ethan Fackrell (Cardiff Rugby)
21 Luke Davies (Scarlets)
22 Josh Phillips (Scarlets)
23 Iestyn Hopkins (Ospreys)

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