FIVE Dragons will feature for Wales in their U20 Six Nations opener against France in Vannes on Saturday.

Head coach Richard Whiffin has named his side for the tough opener at Stade de la Rabine (kick-off 8.10pm) with four Rodney Parade youngsters given starting roles.

Wing Harry Rees-Weldon, scrum-half Logan Franklin, lock Nick Thomas and number eight Evan Minto are in the XV while fly-half Harri Ford is on the bench.

Prop Owain James and flanker Ryan Jones will hope to push their way into the matchday squad after missing out for round one.

“It was a tough team to pick as a lot of guys have put their hands up over the past couple of weeks,” said Whiffin.

“Where we’ve come to is a team full of pace, speed and power and ultimately in skill and that is how we want to attack the game on Saturday.

“We’ve got boys with experience who know how we want to play and can help the younger boys in terms of our game model. The younger guys come in with a fresh view and new ideas and have an opportunity to push our game forward.”

France are hot favourites and Wales will need to stand up to their power game.

“It’s important defensively that we get off the line and take their space away to bring our jackal game into it,” said Whiffin.

“From an attack point of view, being able to put our speed and pace into the game and being smart around our kicking game will be vital.”

Wales U20: Scot Delnevo (Aberavon); Harry Rees-Weldon (Dragons), Elijah Evans (Cardiff Rugby) , Steffan Emanuel (Cardiff Rugby), Aidan Boshoff (Bristol Bears), Harri Wilde (Cardiff Rugby), Logan Franklin (Dragons); Ioan Emanuel (Bath Rugby), Harry Thomas (Scarlets), Sam Scott (Bristol Bears), Kenzie Jenkins (Bristol Bears), Nick Thomas (Dragons), Deian Gwynne (Gloucester) Harry Beddall (Leicester Tigers, captain), Evan Minto (Dragons).

Replacements: Saul Hurley (Aberavon), Louie Trevett (Bristol Bears), Jac Pritchard (Scarlets), Tom Cottle (RGC), Dan Gemine (Ospreys), Carwyn Edwards (Cardiff Met), Harri Ford (Dragons), Tom Bowen (Cardiff Rugby).