WALES Under 18s will face one of the toughest tests of their careers when they travel to South Africa to play in the upcoming Under 19s International Series, according to Scarlets fly-half, Billy McBryde.
The Gwendraeth Valley player was a member of the Wales 18s squad who suffered a 42-11 loss to South Africa Under 18s last year, before going on to beat Italy and earning a 20-20 draw against South Africa A in their final match.
S4C will show highlights from all three of Wales’ games in this year’s competition. McBryde will join Wyn Gruffydd in the commentary box for Wales’ first match against South Africa Under 18s next Friday (Aug 12) in the programme presented by Morgan Isaac.
Billy, of Tumble, said: “It was a huge test in South Africa last year. The experience taught us a lot because I don’t think we’d ever played at such high speed and intensity prior to that.
“The South African boys were very physical and, to be honest, they taught us a lesson. But it was a great experience and it helped prepare me for playing professionally.”
After the trip to South Africa, McBryde was called up to the Wales Under 20s side, where he played his part in the historic Grand Slam-winning Six Nations campaign. He went on to play in this summer’s World Under 20s Championship in Manchester.
“When someone asks me what is the toughest game I’ve ever played in,” he added. “I say the New Zealand match in this year’s Under 20s World Championship. But that game against South Africa for the Under 18s last year was very, very close to that.
“It’s not just their physicality; their skill level was also very high. They say that these Under 18s matches are friendlies, but they’re not. Everyone wants to win.”
S4C will also broadcast highlights of the finals of the Singha 7s Series. Having taken the two qualifying spots from the Welsh leg of the series, the Ospreys and the Blues will take on the best sides from the English Aviva Premiership on finals day in the Ricoh Arena, Coventry.
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