This post was originally published on this site.
There are some physical specimens in the Wales U20s pack this season, and coaches behind the scenes think they can go all the way
Athletic, physical and powerful are three adjectives coaches are using to describe Scarlets and Wales U20s backrowers Osian Williams and Dom Kossuth, as the age-grade side look to shock England in the Six Nations for a second year running.
These are traits which have been in short supply at the top of Welsh rugby over the past few years, but there are players emerging from the pathway who have the potential to fix this problem. Two of those are No 8 Kossuth and blindside flanker Williams, who have both been singled out as players who could go far in the game.
Williams hails from Haverfordwest and is a former pupil of Queen Elizabeth High in Carmarthen. He is part of the senior Scarlets academy. One Super Rygbi Cymru coach likened Williams to former Wales and Lions backrower Dan Lydiate in the sense he does the unseen dirty work which allows others to shine.
JOIN OUR WALES RUGBY FACEBOOK PAGE! Latest news, analysis and much more
The 19-year-old is an extremely physical player who relished the confrontational side of the game.
“Bashing people is what I like to do,” he tells WalesOnline.
“That’s what I revolve my game around.
“It is good as you are getting older that you start to get pats on the back doing that unseen work, whereas when you are younger you probably don’t.
“I’d like to think I’m quite a physical player and quite a knowledgeable one as well around the park.”
Wales rarely have the biggest pack at U20s level but they will need to front up when they begin their Six Nations campaign against England U20s at Franklin’s Gardens.
Richard Whiffin’s side caused the shock of the championship last season when they toppled England at the Arms Park and that never say die attitude is a source of inspiration for the class of 2026.
“That was spoken about. Coming from Wales, showing a bit of heart against these teams is an important trait to have,” said Williams.
“That was definitely spoken about and that’s something we want to bring into this Six Nations.
“We can definitely compete with the stronger packs.
“We’ve got some big players in our pack. With these big teams we need to move the ball around as well.
“We need to tire them out.”
Another forward with a high ceiling is Williams’ Scarlets team-mate Kossuth.
The 18-year-old from Kidwelly would have seen game time for the Scarlets at senior level this season if it wasn’t for an injury in pre-season.
Kossuth is a powerful and explosive No 8 who is as comfortable trucking it up the middle as he is in the wide channels.
“I’d say I’m a cross between an athletic No 8 and a ball carrier,” he tells WalesOnline.
“Growing up I really looked up to Ardie Savea because he’s quite athletic. I really want to be like him. Justin Tipuric and Sam Warburton were another two I looked up to.
“The goal of this Six Nations is to play our best and be our best. When we train, just train as hard as we can to bring us up to speed.
“I’m confident we can definitely turn up and show up against the better teams.
“Alex Ridgeway who is another No 8 and a powerful ball carrier. Osian (Williams) is also a very good player who is physical and skilful. There’s quite a few young forwards in our squad who are very impressive.”
Both Williams and Kossuth train with the senior Scarlets squad and have been earmarked for big things.
Williams has been impressive for Carmarthen Quins, while Kossuth has been getting game time for Llandovery, with the SRC providing the platform.
Pembrokeshire product Williams came close to making his United Rugby Championship debut in October when he was named on the bench against Connacht in Galway but the game was postponed due to adverse weather conditions.
“It’s a bit surreal to be training with the senior Scarlets squad,” said Williams.
“It has been really good to pick their brains and get knowledge from them. I’d probably say Taine Plumtree has taken me under his wing. He’s been pretty good in the environment and I’ve learnt a good few things from him.
“My goals are definitely to play in the URC. Taking it step by step is important though. Let’s see how I go with the U20s and hopefully I can impress here. Hopefully URC can come off the back of that.”
While the likes of England and France will be favourites, both Williams and Kossuth are confident Wales can give a good account of themselves.
“The goal is always to win,” said Williams.
“We definitely have a talented group here with a lot of experience from last year as well. It is about taking it game by game and hopefully we can go and win this tournament.”
