Five players return from last years’ squad, while 10 players will earn their first caps. Wilson is fully aware that Ireland will be looking for revenge after their defeat to Wales in the final game of last years’ IRB Junior World Championships in Treviso when they beat the Irish 38-24.

“We are prepared and looking forward to facing Ireland on Friday. The first game of the tournament is always an exciting fixture,” said Wilson.

“Training has been really good this week. Players have been able to train with us more and we’ve seen a real benefit from that.

“We’ve been able to have some live scrum and line-out practise against Cardiff RFC which has helped tremendously.”

Wilson believes Kirby will stand up as captain against Ireland, saying: “Kirby is a natural leader, he is very professional and is a well-respected squad member. We are confident he will lead the team well for this match.

“Kirby was a natural choice for us. He is an experienced player with the U20 World Cup and also he has been a big part of the Scarlets this season, in terms of regional experience he can offer a lot from this.

“He has shown good leadership in training, the boys have responded well to him and he is capable of leading this team on Friday. We’ve been impressed with him as a professional and a leader.”

Wales

15 Ross Jones
14 Iolo Evans
13 Nathan Edwards
12 Cory Allen
11 Luke Morgan
10 Sam Davies
9 Jonathan Evans
1 Rob Evans
2 Kirby Myhill
3 WillGriff John
4 Matthew Screech
5 Rhodri Hughes
6 Ellis Jenkins
7 Daniel Thomas
8 Reuben Thomas

Substitutes
16 Jamie Sollis
17 Thomas Davies
18 Dan Suter
19 Dan Crimmins
20 Ieuan Jones
21 Joshua Davies
22 Lewis Williams
23 Luke Williams

For further information please contact Laura Goode Email: lgoode@wru.co.ukor Tel: 07584488270

ENDS