Wales will play their first U20 World Rugby Championship game in four years this weekend as they look to put their miserable Six Nations whitewash behind them against New Zealand.
Mark Jones' side take on the All Blacks on Saturday before facing Japan and France as the world's showpiece age-grade tournament returns for the first time since 2019.
In Jones' own words, this year's squad is an exciting one with hot prospects including Morgan Morse, Louie Hennessey and Archie Hughes all involved as they prepare to take on the world's best youngsters.
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However, they will have to pull off something pretty special to top the achievements of their predecessors who secured a famous victory over All Blacks in the semi-final of the 2019 tournament in Argentina.
In a dramatic game that was halted for over an hour due to a violent thunderstorm, a late penalty from Cai Evans made all the difference as Wales triumphed 8-7 to down the Baby Blacks.
That too was a special side stacked with future international stars, with 10 of those involved that day - including Tommy Reffell, Jac Morgan and Rio Dyer - now in Warren Gatland's training squad for the 2023 World Cup.
However, while showing just as much promise at age-grade level, others are yet to have their big break having struggled with injuries or been let go by their clubs.
Here's what became of the team of Welsh youngsters who stunned the All Blacks on that famous day four years ago.
15. Ioan Davies
Impressed during the 2019 tournament but has had a tough time in senior rugby. Joined the Dragons on loan from Cardiff in 2021 and did enough to earn a permanent deal, but started only four matches in two seasons before being released by the region in April. Still only 23.
14. Deon Smith
Another danger man for Wales in Argentina having also scored a famous late winner against England in the 2019 Six Nations. Spent time at Bedwas and Newport RFC in the Premiership before joining Pontypool last summer.
13. Max Llewellyn
Became an integral part of the U20 side and starred for Cardiff after coming through the academy ranks, but turned his back on the regional game at the end of last year by signing for Gloucester, admitting that the offer he received was too good to turn to down.
Despite moving to England, the 6ft 4in centre will remain eligible for Wales selection due to the fact he is an uncapped player who hasn't been in a national squad before. Missed out on a spot in this year's Six Nations squad due to injury but was named in Gatland's 2023 World Cup training squad.
12. Tiaan Thomas-Wheeler
Scored Wales' only try of the game against New Zealand but has also gone on to encounter challenges at senior level as he struggled to nail down a regular starting spot at the Ospreys amid hot competition for midfield place.s
Made 58 appearances for the region over five years but after playing just four times this season, announced he was moving to Japan to sign for Toyota Shokki Shuttles.
11. Ryan Conbeer
Caused the All Blacks problems with his powerful running and has continued to impressed for Scarlets this season. His ability to make metres post-contact has seen described as being "worth his weight in gold" with Dwayne Peel eyeing him as an outside bet to star at the World Cup. However, wasn't named in Gatland's training squad.
10. Cai Evans
Put four missed kicks at goal behind him to land the late penalty which sealed Wales' famous semi-final win but struggled to hold down a place at the Ospreys, turning out for Swansea in the Welsh Premiership after seeing his starts for the region rationed out and picking up injuries.
However, has transformed himself into an exceptional player for the Ospreys this season with his eye-catching perfromances, marked by excellent composure under the ball and superb kicking out of hand, catching Gatland's eye with the Wales boss naming him in his World Cup squad.
9. Dafydd Buckland
Took over at scrum-half from Harri Morgan for the All Blacks clash and was the lightest player at the World Championships. Sported Dragons colours on 12 occasions with bosses keeping him on 'development blocks' as they encouraged him to put on the kilos, but later moved to Pontypridd and then Newport in search of regular rugby.
1. Kemsley Mathias
Has become a constant in the Scarlets side, outperforming teammate Wyn Jones to make it into Wales' World Cup squad ahead of him. A strong ball carrier as well as a useful scrummager, will be in a toss-up with Cardiff's Corey Domachowski when it comes to making the final cut for this autumn's tournament.
2. Dewi Lake (capt)
Captained the U20s to a famous win in Argentina and has been tipped to one day lead the senior side having emerged as one of the brightest prospects in the Welsh game due to his immense physicality and penchant for turnovers. Missed the autumn internationals and Six Nations through injury but named in Gatland's squad for what could be the first of many World Cups, having already won eight caps.
3. Ben Warren
Made 15 appearances for Wales at U20 level having come through the Cardiff academy. Joined the Ospreys in 2021, picking up tips from fellow tighthead Tomas Francis and has since made appearances in the Welsh Premiership with Swansea.
4. Morgan Jones
The 6ft 7in English-born lock has shown potential with the Scarlets, impressing with his defensive work and ball carrying. Has played nearly 50 games for the region and signed a new contract in April.
5. Jac Price
Enjoyed a fine tournament in Argentina and like his second-row mate Jones has increasingly looked the part at the Scarlets in recent campaigns. Sidelined at the start of the season but also signed a new contract to keep him at the region as he continues to improve his game.
6. Lennon Greggains
Tipped to break through at the Dragons this season after having rotten luck with injuries. Impressed with Newport RFC last year and showed he has potential, but was released by his region in April.
7. Tommy Reffell
Has gone from strength to strength having made a big impression at the World Championships and finishing top tackler in the tournament with 75. Earned further plaudits for his performances for Leicester which were rewarded with a first senior cap last summer.
Now has a golden opportunity to make his mark in the Welsh backrow at the World Cup following the retirements of Justin Tipuric and Josh Navidi and is undoubtedly set for a bright Test future as one of Wales' most important players.
8. Jac Morgan
Arguably the biggest success story from this U20s side, burst onto the international scene last year as he scored a brace of tries in autumn Tests against Georgia and Australia. Dubbed a one-man wrecking machine by Warren Gatland, his skill at the breakdown as well as his supreme tackling ability and leadership qualities make him one of hottest properties in Test rugby.
Despite having a number of suitors he avoided the clutches of English and French clubs by signing a new deal with the Ospreys at the end of the season and will be one of the first names on the team sheet at the World Cup with a bright international future ahead of him.
Replacements:
Garin Lloyd
The hooker has turned out for Ospreys As, Neath and Bridgend after representing Wales at Under 19 and Under 20s level. Featured in this year's Welsh Varsity while studying at Swansea University but couldn't help his side beat Cardiff.
Rhys Davies
Integral part of 2019 U20 Six Nations win against England. Joined Ospreys after surprisingly being released by the Scarlets.
Nick English
A strong scrummager and physical ball carrier, put in some solid performances in Argentina. Joined Bristol Bears and also played for Hartpury in BUCS Super Rugby
Ed Scragg
Spent two seasons at lock for the Under 20s and was part of the Dragons Academy before joining Championship side Cornish Pirates. Moved to London Irish last year and spent time on loan at Sydney University this season, but is now looking for a new club after Irish were expelled from the Premiership.
Iestyn Rees
Recently joined Ampthill after being released by the Scarlets, having spent three years at the region. Has ambitions to climb back up the professional rugby ladder and emulate the likes of Kieran Hardy who trod the same path.
Harri Morgan
Showed his class at the World Championships but stepped away from rugby earlier this year after attempting to take his own life. The 23-year-old was praised after sharing his mental health struggles in a brave social media message, with injuries and the loss of his grandparents leading to him taking an overdose.
Has not ruled out a return to pro rugby, however, and featured in Swansea RFC's clash against the Barbarians last month.
Rio Dyer
Scored on his full Wales debut against the All Blacks last year having impressed with his rapid performances for the Dragons, adding another against Australia in the final match of the series. A real bright spark for Gatland's side in what was a miserable Six Nations campaign, grabbing tries against Italy and France. Will be hoping to make the starting XV at the World Cup.
Sam Costelow
Also made his senior debut last autumn having been one of Wales' most important players at U20 level and showing his high ceiling with quality performances for the Scarlets. Named in the World Cup squad but has to contend with Dan Biggar, Gareth Anscombe and Owen Williams to make the cut, let alone getting his hands on the starting 10 jersey.
Teddy Williams
A surprise call-up to this year's Six Nations squad, has impressed with his athletic performances for Cardiff in the URC and on the European stage, making over 20 appearances for the Blue and Blacks. Still uncapped but one of the 54 named in the initial World Cup training squad as he follows in the footsteps of his late father Owain
Tom Devine
After the World Championships, joined Bedwas RFC and got his first taste of playing in the Welsh Premiership, having represented the Dragons through the age-grade ranks. Signed for Pontypridd in 2021.
Ioan Rhys Davies
Cardiff academy product dealt a tough blow when the region opted not to renew his contract after his development was stunted by the Covid pandemic. Pulled his socks up and took himself out of his comfort zone by signing for French fourth tier club Sporting Club Graulhetois as he works towards his dream of becoming an international rugby player.
Will Griffiths
Tipped to be a future Welsh captain at one stage, with Ospreys teammate Dan Lydiate describing him as "a hell of a rugby player" and former Wales coach Wayne Pivac calling him in for closer inspection back in 2021. Yet to win a cap for the senior side, however.
Tomi Lewis
Suffered a cruel twist of fate after graduating from Wales U20 and being tipped to make his mark on professional rugby, as suffered an ACL injury which kept him out for 15 months. Was released by the Scarlets as a result but joined Jersey Reds where he proved to be a revelation. Now returning to Wales after his electric displays earned him a second shot with the Scarlets.
