By The Newshound
June 18 2002

The three young Saints currently playing in the Under21s World Cup in Johannesburg, South Africa have all be moved to their respective benches for the next round of matches today (Tuesday 18th June). For Wales, hooker Matt Miles steps down after playing in the 82-12 demolishing of Italy as his countryman take on Agentina at Rand Afrikaans University.

England rest key players for their game against the Italians at the same venue. This means skipper Mark Soden and hooker James Buckland warm their heels while others are given a chance to run in a score or two against the struggling youngsters of Italia.

One of the coaching team, Paul Grayson (yes Larry) said,
“Some of our defence was dreadful against New Zealand U21 and we conceded possession. We have worked on that. Not getting a bonus points in that game was a pity, so we will have to get maximum points in our next two games.”

“Italy U21 were well beaten in the opening round and will get better. I would imagine we will still go in as favourites.”

Wales U21s:
G Swales; L Roberts, M Jones, M Brayley (capt), M Nuthall; N Robinson, M Phillips; P James, A Matthews, A Jones, Ryan Jones, L Tait, R Williams, Rhys Jones, R Sowden-Taylor.

Replacements: C Miller, M Hook, S Williams, Matt Miles (NORTHAMPTON SAINTS), G Morris, B Griffiths, G Williams.

England U21s:
15. Adam Billig (Leicester Tigers)
14. Jon Hylton (London Wasps)
13. Tom Voyce (Bath)
12. Spencer Davey (Bath)
11. John Rudd (London Wasps)
10. Sam Vesty (Leicester Tigers)
9. Ben Hampson (Saracens)

1. Nick Cox (Gloucester)
2. Ben Gotting (London Wasps)
3. Adam Halsey (Saracens)
4. Mike McCarthy (London Wasps)
5. Martin Purdy (London Wasps)
6. Ian Clarke (Leeds Tykes)
7. Magnus Lund (Sale Sharks)
8. Phillip Davies (Sale Sharks)

Reserves:

16. James Buckland (NORTHAMPTON SAINTS)
17. Michael Holford (Leicester Tigers)
18. Mark Soden (NORTHAMPTON SAINTS)
19. Stuart Hooper (Saracens)
20. Paul Hodgson (Bristol Shoguns)
21. Matthew Honeyben (Saracens)
22. Ed Thrower (London Irish)

Todays games:

Australia vs Romania

Fiji vs Ireland

South Africa vs France

New Zealand vs Japan

Argentina vs Wales

England vs Italy