Ben Warren is relishing Wales under-20’s ‘underdog’ status, as Gareth Williams’ side prepare to travel to Gloucester on Friday to take on their English counterparts in the latest round of Six Nations action.
Following a hard-fought victory over current world champions France in Colwyn Bay last time out, Wales have kept faith with the side, making only a single change for the trip to Kingsholm.
Warren, who has started all three games in the Championship this year, partners regional team-mate Theo Bevacqua in the front row, with a four more Cardiff Blues academy players included in the 23.
The Cardiff Blues prop says his side can take confidence from their victory over France, and hopes there will be an opportunity to unleash dangerous attackers such as Mason Grady and Jacob Beetham in Gloucester.
“We enjoy being the underdogs and we will be somewhat underdogs again this week, so there’s not too much pressure on us,” said Warren.
“Hopefully we can repeat what we did last year and have more of the same.
“We can take confidence from the win over France, and we’ve spoken about building from that performance by increasing everything and playing at a higher tempo again. That’s what we need to implement.
“We have some good finishers out in the backline. The likes of Mason Grady, Jake Beetham and a couple of other boys, so hopefully we’ll be able to chuck the ball out wide to those boys.”
Eight-times Six Nations champions, England, currently sit in second place following their defeat to Ireland.
However, Warren insists his side are fully aware of the challenges ahead but are motivated for the opportunity to test themselves.
The prop added: “It’s going to be a physical challenge. We know what they want and we know that they’ve got a few good, key boys.
“There’s some quality in the backline and they have a big, strong pack so they’ll be quite similar to France.
“We’ll head over there with a similar game-plan again and try to work around that.
“England will be strong at scrum time and good in the driving mauls and at set pieces. They take a lot of pride in that.
“They’ve also got fire power in the backs, but we’re aware of what they will bring and I think we can step up to the plate and handle it.
“We never have the biggest of packs so we need to be working on our techniques and go from there.
“It’s another big pack with some big boys so it’s about going out there and doing the same again this week.”
Wales under-20 host Scotland in the final round of Six Nations action at Stadiwm Zip World, Colwyn Bay, next week. Tickets are available to purchase NOW!