DRAGONS forward Max Williams believes Wales showed their quality by dishing out some big hits in their World Rugby U20 Championship win against Australia but knows they face a step up on Sunday, writes Chris Kirwan.

The Welsh youngsters enjoyed an excellent 26-21 win against the Junior Wallabies on Wednesday night but next up are champions New Zealand in Beziers (kick-off 3.30pm).

The Baby Blacks romped to a 67-0 win against Japan in the Pool A opener and are favourites to lift the trophy in France, just as they did in Georgia last year.

However, Wales are buoyed by claiming a southern hemisphere scalp with Williams putting in a big display up front alongside Dragons teammate and number eight Taine Basham.

The Australia game was a very good start to the competition," said the lock. "It was quite a quick game and physical as well with boys putting big hits in.

"It was a huge positive for the start of the competition. We have come off a good performance against Australia but it's a step up against New Zealand on Sunday."

Head coach Geraint Lewis names his side tomorrow but is likely to have to make at least one change after Rio Dyer was forced off in the opening stages of the win against the Wallabies.

The Dragons speedster injured his shoulder attempting to claim a high ball and was replaced by regional teammate Joe Goodchild. Early signs are that his tournament is over.

l Wales Women Sevens head coach Nick Wakley will be leaving his role at the end of the month.

Wakley joined the women's programme in 2016 after being backs coach with Ebbw Vale in the Principality Premiership.

Most recently, he oversaw Team Wales women's sevens at the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast, and is currently preparing the team for its first ever World Series tournament in Paris next weekend, which will be his final involvement as coach.

His two years in the position – which dovetailed with his role as backs coach for the international 15s side – have seen success and growth on and off the field. In that time, Wales Women have increased their participation in top-level tournaments, including Rugby Europe, World Series qualifiers and an invitational win in Dubai.

"It has been a tough decision to step down from my role with Wales Women," said Wakley. "I've absolutely loved my time here.

"It's been an amazing experience coaching these talented women. You will not meet a more committed, dedicated and proud group of people."