DRAGONS hooker Will Griffiths has finally secured an elusive Wales start in Friday's clash with Ireland in the U20 Six Nations, writes Chris Kirwan.

The 19-year-old front rower, who has been playing for Ebbw Vale in the Premiership, steps up from the bench for the round two fixture in Cork after last week's 17-7 loss to Italy in Colwyn Bay.

Griffiths is in his third campaign at under-20 level and all of his previous 12 caps have come as a substitute.

Last year he backed up captain Dewi Lake, who has been added to Wayne Pivac's senior squad for the Six Nations.

Griffiths is joined in the XV by four fellow Dragons – lock Ben Carter, scrum-half Daf Buckland, centre Aneurin Owen and wing Ewan Rosser.

Head coach Williams makes two other changes with Bristol's Ioan Lloyd getting a first taste of under-20 international rugby at full-back while Theo Bevacqua gets the nod at loosehead.

Defending champions Ireland started with impressive 38-26 victory against Scotland while Williams wants a response from his charges after they failed to fire in their opener.

"Naturally we are disappointed with the result and elements of our performance against Italy, but this week is about dealing with that and moving forward," said the head coach.

"We still have four internationals left that act as great opportunities to move players forward in their development.

"Ireland will be a big challenge, and the atmosphere will be electric. These are the type of environments we want to expose our young players to."

"There are some areas we have worked hard to tighten up on this week, and challenged ourselves to execute better to keep Ireland under pressure which was something we didn't do to Italy, although I thought Italy were excellent in their performance.

"We have a clear understanding of our responsibility for development, and defeats like last week can act as effective learning experiences.

"But we're a competitive and proud group, and want to get back to success against opposition we have the utmost respect for."

Wales U20: Ioan Lloyd (Bristol Bears), Daniel John (Millfield School), Osian Knott (Scarlets), Aneurin Owen (Dragons), Ewan Rosser (Dragons), Sam Costelow (Leicester Tigers), Dafydd Buckland (Dragons); Theo Bevacqua (Cardiff Blues), Will Griffiths (Dragons), Ben Warren (Cardiff Blues), Jac Price (Scarlets), Ben Carter (Dragons), Ioan Davies (Cardiff Blues), Jac Morgan (Scarlets, captain), Morgan Strong (Ospreys).

Replacements: Dom Booth (Scarlets), Callum Williams (Scarlets), Archie Griffin (Bath Rugby), James Fender (Ospreys), Gwilym Bradley (Cardiff Blues), Ellis Bevan (Cardiff Met), Bradley Roderick (Ospreys), Josh Thomas (Ospreys).