The U20s Six Nations will take centre stage on Saturday night as Wales host France at the Cardiff Arms Park, with a host of Blue & Blacks set to represent their country on home soil.

Head coach Richard Whiffin has made one enforced change following last weekend’s narrow defeat to England, with Cardiff winger Rhys Cummings switching to full-back in place of the injured Jack Woods. Bristol’s Evan Morris comes in on the wing for his debut.

There is a heavy Blue & Black influence throughout the matchday 23, with Tom Howe, Sion Davies, Tom Bowen, Steffan Emanuel, Osian Darwin-Lewis and Rhys Cummings all named in the starting XV, while Tom Cottle and Lloyd Lucas are selected among the replacements.

Saturday’s clash at the Arms Park provides a special opportunity for Cardiff’s young stars to represent their country on home turf, with co-captain Steffan Emanuel set to lead Wales in the midfield at his home ground.

Whiffin believes his side have responded well to the disappointment in Northampton and are ready to rise to the challenge France will bring.

“The boys were obviously disappointed as they know that was one that got away, but by Monday they had recharged and were fully refreshed and ready to go,” said Whiffin.

“Every game is different and Saturday will be another challenge. France bring different threats to England, but we know we can compete with the bigger teams. We’ve shown we’re a match for anyone in this competition.

“We go into every game preparing to win and expecting a performance that gives us the chance to do that.”

The Wales U20 head coach is also hoping for a big Cardiff crowd to generate a special atmosphere in the capital.

“We’re hoping for a similar crowd and noise to when we last played at Cardiff Arms Park. The players really fed off that energy. Hopefully we can excite the crowd and get them behind us again.”

With a significant Cardiff contingent throughout the squad, the Blue & Blacks will play a central role as Wales look to bounce back and make a statement in front of a home crowd.

Wales U20 v France U20

Starting XV

1. George Tuckley (Dragons RFC)

2. Tom Howe (Cardiff Rugby)

3. Jac Pritchard (Scarlets)

4. Luke Evans (Exeter Chiefs)

5. Osian J Williams (Bristol Bears)

6. Osian Williams (Scarlets)

7. Caio James (Gloucester)

8. Deian Gwynne (Gloucester – Co-Capt)

9. Sion Davies (Cardiff Rugby)

10. Carwyn Leggatt-Jones (Scarlets)

11. Tom Bowen (Cardiff Rugby)

12. Steffan Emanuel (Cardiff Rugby – Co-Capt)

13. Osian Darwin-Lewis (Cardiff Rugby)

14. Evan Morris (Bristol Bears)

15. Rhys Cummings (Cardiff Rugby)

Replacements

16. James Talamai (Dragons RFC)

17. Dylan James (Ospreys)

18. Isaac Godfrey (Exeter Chiefs)

19. Tom Cottle (Cardiff Rugby)

20. Evan Minto (Dragons RFC)

21. Alex Ridgway (Bath Rugby)

22. Luca Woodyatt (Gloucester)

23. Lloyd Lucas (Cardiff Rugby)