Gifted Wales stars of the future show their huge talent as U20s make flying start to summer campaign

Wales U20s could hardly have made a better start to the Six Nations Summer series, running in seven tries as they thumped Scotland 45-15 out in Treviso. It was a dominant display and a fine all-round team performance. But which youngsters really stood out? Rugby correspondent Simon Thomas hands out the plaudits.

There’s never been any doubting the potential of Mason Grady. At 6ft 5ins and 17st 4lbs, he is built for success, with the raw attributes to make a real mark in the centre. He also has the sporting pedigree. His mother Julie played basketball for Rhondda Rebels and competed at the Commonwealth Games, while his elder brother Cory Allen has won six Wales caps in the threequarters.

Full match report on Wales U20s' stunning seven-try triumph

Mason first represented the U20s aged just 17 and then immediately caught the eye when he took his bow for Cardiff Blues. The issue has been getting him out on the field, among injury setbacks. But now he is fit and firing and we are starting to see that huge potential being fulfilled.

He is such a physical specimen and the Scots simply couldn’t handle him. Two moments really stood out. One was when he unceremoniously manhandled an opponent into touch in rag doll fashion and another was when he produced a monumental carry in the build-up to winger Oli Andrew’s second try. There were young men in blue hanging on to him for dear life as he bulldozed his way through in the shadow of the posts. It was some sight.

But it’s not just brute force from the 20-year-old. He’s also got good hands, picks some great lines and is strong in the air, utilising that height of his. Together with skipper Joe Hawkins, he forged a hugely effective centre pairing out in the heat of Treviso. Hawkins