The next generation of Welsh talent were on show today
Mosese Tuliakiono sings the Welsh anthem before the Scotland match
Wales U18s got their Six Nations Festival campaign off to a flying start with a resounding 34-15 victory over Scotland in Vichy.
Richie Pugh’s side had to dig deep in the second-half as Scotland threw the kitchen sink at them but in the end tries from full-back Sam Morgan (twice) along with both wingers Ryley Fussell and Dylan Quin (twice) got Wales over the line.
This Easter offers a glimpse into the future of Welsh rugby with a number of players on show set for successful professional careers.
One intriguing prospect is powerful No 8 Mosese Tuliakiono, who is the cousin of Wales legend Taulupe Faletau.
The 6ft 3in 17-year-old is a product of Pontypool United and is now studying at the prestigious Radley School in Oxfordshire; he is also part of the Gloucester academy.
Tuliakiono made a few powerful carries, and there were also a couple of bone-crunching hits in defence.
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There is a dearth of explosive ball carriers in Welsh rugby and players with Tuliakiono’s physical profile are worth developing.
But Wales’ best player was arguably full-back Morgan who enjoyed a fine game in attack and defence.
The Dragons prospect made a couple of try-saving tackles while he consistently cut the line with ball in hand.
Morgan is a dangerous runner whose passing under pressure was very accurate; he also ran in a try from over 60 metres out to seal victory towards the end of the game.
Both wingers – Quin and Fussell – looked very dangerous with ball in hand but defence is a work in progress.
The three standout players in the pack were both starting props Bryan Kamanga and Isaac Jones, while openside flanker Alfie Prygodzicz was everywhere.
Cardiff are very excited about the potential of Ysgol Glantaf product Prygodzicz who those working within the age-grade system consider one of the best prospects in Welsh rugby.
He is an all-action openside who got through a mountain of work, putting in some huge hits in defence, carrying well and having a big effect at the breakdown.
There was one tackle in the first-half which flattened a Scottish forward running at full tilt, while when Wales were under severe pressure on their own line after the break Prygodzicz did a fine job at slowing down opposition ball.
Prygodzicz is a serious talent who will certainly make the grade as a professional as long as he remains injury free.
Loosehead prop Kamanga, also contracted to Cardiff, stood out throughout the game.
The Llandovery College student scrummaged well but he was eager to offer himself as a carrier and regularly made those all-important post-contact metres.
In the lead-up to Morgan’s first try a wonderful tip on pass from the point of contact under severe pressure from Kamanga opened up the Scotland defence for the try to be scored out wide.
Tighthead prop Jones, yet another Cardiff prospect, made some interventions when his country were under pressure in the second-half.
There was one occasion where Scotland had a five-metre lineout and had set up the maul well. A try looked certain but Jones did a sterling job to win a turnover.
He also snatched a couple of balls at the breakdown while he carried very well and put in some huge hits.
Next up for Wales is a date with France on Tuesday before they finish with a clash against Spain next Saturday.
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