Juniors looking to impress

England and Wales last played at U20 level in the 2009 junior Nations Cup which England won 29-3. The match will be curtain-raised by an U18's Talent Development Squad fixture between the same countries.

The U20 game is the second in a number of weeks for the English side who were beaten by their French counterparts on the same weekend that their senior side clinched the Grand Slam and 6 Nations title.

From that side there are a number of changes and six players who were on the bench for the 36-22 defeat in France have been called into the starting line-up including newcomers to the squad this season Geraldine Thomas, Fiona Davidson, Rebecca Hughes and Amber Reed. England are captained by Charlotte Male(pictured)

England U20s Programme Manager Tom Stokes said: "There was a huge amount of positives to take from the France fixture and the whole experience will prove invaluable for all players in the long term.

"But now were looking forward to the next challenge. The Welsh are always competitive and will be out to prove a point. A number of the squad have played them before so will know what to expect."

It is the first game of the year for the Wales U20s but given past experience several players will be looking to impress to stake a claim in this year's senior World Cup squad after a number of last year's squad featured in the 6 Nations this year.

Fly half Elinor Snowsill made the step up from last year's Under 20s squad to senior status this season with last year's age grade skipper joined in this season's Six Nations squad by Ceri Redman and Becky Newton while Carys John, Heledd Stephens and Lisa Newton were promoted into the senior squad.

In particular Sioned Harries and Charlie Murray will be hoping to stake a claim after the duo spent time training with the Welsh senior squad recently.

Second row Jo Clarke, centre Jess Smith and winger Sian Perry all make their debuts against England while Natalie Stone, Chloe Howells, Jess Kavanagh and Kayleigh Balchin are all new caps starting from the bench.

WRU Women's Performance Manager Sophie Bennett said: "With several players having already progressed from the Under 20s to the full senior squad, it proves to the players that there is a pathway to full international honours.

"Hopefully some players will put their hands up just like some of their predecessors who have made the jump successfully."

England U20s V Wales U20s. Surrey Sports Park, Tuesday 6th April, 3pm

Wales:Kerin Lake, Sian Perry, Adi Taviner (CAPT), Jess Smith, Charlotte Murray, Bethan Preece, Yasmin Leung, Alex Stokes, Amy Lawrence, Lowri Harris, Jo Clarke, Shona Powell-Hughes, Sian Williams, Sioned Harris, Kathryn JosephSubstitutes:Natalie Stone, Sophie Mangano, Chloe Howells, Vicky Owens, Laura Marsh, Rhianydd Morgan, Jess Kavanagh

England:Kay Wilson, Garnet Mackinder, Rose Fong, Amber Reed, Rebecca Hughes, Emily Scott, Fiona Davidson, Sasha Acheson, Geraldine Thomas, Charlotte Male (C), Amy Millar, Juliet Short, Nicola Hoole, Hannah Field, Harriet MillsSubstitutes:Natalie McClarnon, Millie Fuggles, Stacey Maguire, Poppy Cleall, Hannah Gallagher, Rose Jay, Amy Wilson-Hardy