Eight Cardiff Blues have been named in the Wales Under-20s side to face Australia in their World Rugby Under-20s opener in Georgia.
Jason Strange has made three changes to the starting team that warmed-up for the tournament with a 29-22 triumph over their Scottish counterparts.
Cardiff Blues prop duo Rhys Carre and Kieron Assiratti come into the front-row and regional teammate James Botham replaces Aled Ward at number eight.
The side are captained by Ospreys flanker Will Jones, while Wales Under-18s captain Will Griffiths makes his first appearance for the Under-20s at second-row.
Strange admits there were some difficult selection decisions and has emphasised the importance of getting off to a positive start in Tbilisi.
He said: “It’s a competitive squad, which is always good for coaches. There were some tough selections but I’m really pleased with the team and hopefully we will do really well in our first game against Australia.
“The message to the squad has been whoever comes in has to take the opportunity so as disappointing it is for Kieron Williams and a couple of other players to miss out through injury, I’m sure the other players will more than embrace the challenge.
“It’s vital to get off to a winning start and not only in terms of the result but a performance. We’re confident, we have a good group of players, they work hard for each other and have good team spirit so hopefully we’ll get the right result.”
Callum Bradbury and Shane Lewis-Hughes are also named in the forwards while Owen Lane, Cameron Lewis and Dane Blacker make up the Blues’ backline contingent. Tom Malby, Ward and Ben Jones are also named among the replacements.
Wales Under-20s: Will Talbot-Davies; Owen Lane, Ioan Nicholas, Cameron Lewis, Ryan Conbeer; Arwel Robson, Dane Blacker; Rhys Carre, Ellis Shipp, Kieron Assiratti, Will Griffiths, Callum Bradbury, Shane Lewis-Hughes, Will Jones, James Botham
Replacements: Owen Hughes, Tom Mably, Scott Jenkins, Sean Moore, Aled Ward, Reuben Morgan-Williams, Ben Jones, Joe Goodchild