Mathew Protheroe in action

England are two from two this season, with wins against France and Scotland, and this is their final game before heading to France to defend their European Championship title later in March.

Callum Chick captains the side and forwards coach Pete Walton knows that facing Wales on their own patch will be difficult.

He said: “Playing Wales in Wales is a huge test but it’s a great way to challenge the players. We put a real emphasis on performance and this game is no different – we want the lads to express themselves on the pitch.

“We’ve had a few good sessions and we’ll be looking to transfer that onto the pitch. We’ve got some strong forwards and backs who like to play quickly so we’re in a good place. Wales will be tough, they’ll be physical and dangerous but we’ll be ready.”

England Under 18 starting XV against Wales.

15 Mathew Protheroe (Hartpury College)
14 Sam Yawayawa (Leicester Tigers, Wyggeston & QEI College)
13 Dominic Morris (Saracens, New Hall School)
12 John Williams (London Irish, St Pauls Sunbury)
11 Rotimi Segun (Northampton Saints, Stowe School)
10 Theo Brophy Clews (London Irish, Abingdon School)
9 Alexander Mitchell (Sale Sharks, Lymm HS)

1 Jake Pope (Sale Sharks, Myerscough College)
2 Curtis Langdon (London Irish, St Pauls Sunbury)
3 Jack Stanley (Exeter Chiefs, Truro College)
4 John Hawkins (Northampton Saints, Stowe)
5 Alexander Moon (Northampton Saints, Sedbergh School)
6 Archie White (Harlequins, Epsom College)
7 Will Allman (Northampton Saints, Trent College)
8 Callum Chick (Newcastle Falcons, Gosforth Academy, captain)

Replacements:

16 Dan Frost (Bath Rugby, Filton College)
17 Mofe Wilkey (Harlequins, Trinity School)
18 Billy  Keast (Exeter Chiefs, Truro College)
19 Matthew Postlethwaite (Sale Sharks, Ilkley Grammar)
20 Zach Mercer (Bath Rugby, Merchiston Castle School)
21 Jack  Maunder (Exeter Chiefs, Blundells School)
22 Owain James (Wasps Rugby, Harrow School)
23 Elliott Creed  (Gloucester Rugby, Chosen Hill)

ENGLAND Under 18 went down 23-15 against a resilient Welsh side in Swansea. Both sides scored three tries, but Wales added extras from the boot of fly half Billy McBryde.

Theo Brophy Clews, Dominic Morris and Rotimi Segun scored for England, but it wasn’t enough in South Wales.

After a slow start from both sides it was Wales who drew first blood, McBryde showed pace to outrun Alex Mitchell into the corner for 5-0.

But England hit back and after Mitchell tapped a penalty the ball was worked out wide to Mathew Protheroe who offloaded to Brophy Clews to score.

Wales regained the lead through the boot of McBryde, but England went ahead when outside centre Dominic Morris picked off a loose pass to run in unopposed to make it 10-8, which is how it stayed until the break.

Wales again took the lead after a successful McBryde penalty, and two more tries put them 23-10 ahead. England grabbed a well-worked consolation try from Segun, who flew over in the corner after patient build up.

Forwards Coach Pete Walton said: “We’re disappointed because we know that we didn’t really turn up. Wales were very good and deserved the win. Our ball retention wasn’t good enough and we didn’t do what we’re capable of at the breakdown.

“But this will be valuable experience for the players. You don’t become a bad player because of a defeat, our job is to make sure these lads become better players because of it.”

England Under 18 starting XV against Wales.

15 Mathew Protheroe (Hartpury College)
14 Sam Yawayawa (Leicester Tigers, Wyggeston & QEI College)
13 Dominic Morris (Saracens, New Hall School)
12 John Williams (London Irish, St Pauls Sunbury)
11 Rotimi Segun (Northampton Saints, Stowe School)
10 Theo Brophy Clews (London Irish, Abingdon School)
9 Alexander Mitchell (Sale Sharks, Lymm HS)

1 Jake Pope (Sale Sharks, Myerscough College)
2 Curtis Langdon (London Irish, St Pauls Sunbury)
3 Jack Stanley (Exeter Chiefs, Truro College)
4 John Hawkins (Northampton Saints, Stowe)
5 Alexander Moon (Northampton Saints, Sedbergh School)
6 Archie White (Harlequins, Epsom College)
7 Will Allman (Northampton Saints, Trent College)
8 Callum Chick (Newcastle Falcons, Gosforth Academy, captain)

Replacements:

16 Dan Frost (Bath Rugby, Filton College)
17 Mofe Wilkey (Harlequins, Trinity School)
18 Billy  Keast (Exeter Chiefs, Truro College)
19 Matthew Postlethwaite (Sale Sharks, Ilkley Grammar)
20 Zach Mercer (Bath Rugby, Merchiston Castle School)
21 Jack  Maunder (Exeter Chiefs, Blundells School)
22 Owain James (Wasps Rugby, Harrow School)
23 Elliott Creed  (Gloucester Rugby, Chosen Hill)