By Lestyn (10/02/04)
February 10 2004

Wales's under 21's will be looking to take the first step in repeating last seasons grand slam success, when they host they're Scottish counterparts at the Brewery field on Friday afternoon.

Ten new caps make the starting line up, other than full back Matthew Nuthall the rest of the backs are yet to appear at this level. Injuries to David Bishop, Richard Fussell and Gareth McCarthy have forced Davey to blood Cardiff (not Blues) wing Franceso Brilliante. Brilliante has like the Sidoli brothers, Italian ancestory and was even involved in the Italian setup at under 21 level last season.

James Malpas, who has an injured shoulder is the major absentee from the forwards. Depending on whether or not Robin McBryde recovers from his back strain, twice Welsh international Huw Bennett may or may not start ahead of Dragons hooker Keiron Crawford.

"We have not had such a big roll-over as last season," said Davey. "A couple of experienced players are now over-age, but there is lots of talent in the squad.

" Last season Scotland gave us a tough physical match, but we did not let them score a try. We expect the same and they can be difficult to play against. It will be a hard season and we must just take it as it comes."

Wales Under 21's to face Scotland at the Brewery field, 2.00pm kick off

15 Matthew Nuthall (Pontypridd);
14*Ifan Evans (Llandovery),
13*Richard Payne (Newport),
12*Lee Thomas (Celtic Warriors),
11*Francesco Brillante (Cardiff);
10*Nick Macleod (Cardiff Blues),
9*Rhodri Wells (Swansea);

1*John Yapp (Cardiff Blues),
2 Kieran Crawford (The Dragons) / Huw Bennett (Ospreys),
3*Cai Griffiths (Neath),
4*Ian Evans (Pontypridd),
5 Luke Charteris (The Dragons),
6 James Merriman (Gloucester),
7 Richie Pugh (Ospreys, capt),
8*Richard Dale (Newport).
Replacements: *David Maddocks (Llanelli Scarlets),

K Crawford / *Will Kay (Newcastle Falcons),
*Nathan Williams (Llanelli Scarlets),
*Jonathan Mills (Bath),
*Matthew Jones (Ospreys),
*Richard Rees (Swansea),
*Gavin Evans (Llanelli).