World Rugby U 20 Championship

Samoa U 20 makes 3 changes for clash against Wales

Alexander Pohla, who scored twice against Australia, moves to the left wing to accommodate the return of Ricky Pauli Ene at full-back with Godinet Tinei given the number nine jersey.

Samoa takes on Wales in its last pool game of the World Rugby U 20 Championship in Tablisi, Georgia on Thursday (local time)

Wales coach Jason Strange has freshened up his starting line-up for the match that they must win – ideally with a bonus point to avoid relegation to the second-tier U20 Trophy next year.

Samoa Under 20s face daunting start

The Baby Manu are back in the top flight after winning last year's second tier Under 20 trophy.

Head coach Mahonri Schwalger has been in charge only a few weeks following the resignation of Junior Leota.

He said it would be great for the development of Samoan Rugby to be playing against the best in the world.

"We're not taking any game easy so we're playing England first and then Australia so it's not really a easy pool to be in," he said.