Dragons prop Owain James aims to show Wales U20s' depth
A group finale against Spain is swiftly followed by two more fixtures, either in the semi-finals and final or for placings.
The Wales management will have to box clever and try to keep players fresh, which could mean a chance to shine for James.
He is backing up Bristol prospect Sam Scott, who enhanced his reputation with five impressive starts during the Six Nations.
James and fellow tighthead Jac Pritchard will be tasked with ensuring there is no drop-off in quality when Scott is given a breather.
PLATFORM: Dragons tighthead Owain James hopes to scrummage strongly for Wales Under-20s (Image: Mark Lewis/Huw Evans Agency)
'The set piece is a big part of the game and gives a side a platform, and we pride ourselves in taking it to other teams,' said the 20-year-old.
'We have good competition and a lot of combinations that can be fielded – we feel that we are strong across the board and we will all be needed in a tournament like this.'
James, from Ynysybwl, signed a senior academy contract with the Dragons last summer and then had a remarkable rise.
He featured for the Dragons A last autumn and then injuries led to him making a senior debut at Zebre Parma, with another appearance against the Stormers in the penultimate match of the season.
'I played a lot of rugby up to Christmas and then had a concussion but then the Six Nations was a really good experience,' said James.
'I had a few appearances for the Dragons, which was unexpected in my first year, and it was also great to be part of Pontypool.
'There is plenty of history in Pooler's front row and it has been great to learn from props who have done their time in the Premiership and Super Rygbi Cymru.'
It's the SRC that James will get his experience next season given that the Dragons have signed Dillon Lewis and Robert Hunt to join Chris Coleman and Luke Yendle.
However, a small taste of the United Rugby Championship has served the Wales Under-20s prospect well.
'It was a tough season with the results but there were great experiences for us youngsters to train and travel with the seniors,' he said.
'It was brilliant to go to South Africa and that can only help us when our time does hopefully come.
'You learn so much from the combination of SRC and Dragons and I just want to keep building and learning from the senior props.'
That comes after James tries to shine alongside his peers.
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