Wales 26-13 Scotland U20s: Brilliant Welsh kids bounce back with bonus point win

Wales U20s bounced back from last week’s heavy defeat to Ireland in style with a stirring bonus point victory in Colwyn Bay.

It was all doom and gloom following their 53-5 hammering in the Six Nations opener at Cork’s Musgrave Park.

But it was a very different story up against the Scots on home soil.

Head coach Byron Hayward had asked for a reaction from his much-changed team and he got it.

Trailing 7-0 at half-time, they turned things around in emphatic fashion after the break with tries from No 8 Alex Mann, centre Joe Hawkins, wing Harri Houston and 17-year-old back row sub Morgan Morris.

Ospreys midfield man Hawkins had an excellent game, picking superb lines for both his own try and to pave the way for Morris’ last minute score that sealed the bonus point.

Hooker Efan Daniel also put in a big shift, as did Bath flanker Tom Cowan, while the scrum went really well and the bench made a major impact.

But the Man of the Match award deservedly went to Wales skipper Mann, who had a simply outstanding game.

The Cardiff back rower was everywhere, as he led by example with an immense all-round display, winning a series of penalties over the ball, carrying with purpose, tackling with ferocity and combining cleverly with Cowan for his touchdown.

He also showed bravery and conviction by twice ordering kickable penalties to be sent into the corner, with his ambition being rewarded with tries on both occasions.

Next up for Wales in a fortnight will be England, who went down to a shock 6-0 defeat against Italy out in Treviso tonight.

Wales U20: Cameron Winnett (Cardiff Rugby); Harri Houston (Ospreys), Eddie James (Scarlets), Joe Hawkins (Ospreys), Oli Andrew (Dragons); Jac Lloyd (Bristol Bears), Archie Hughes (Scarlets); Rhys Barratt