Wales go into their first game having recently tasted international action at this level against England, Scotland and a French selection and coach King says his squad are ready for their showdown with Ireland.

"It doesn't come much tougher than the host team in the first game but in every tournament you look forward to getting a game under your belt and we have prepared well," King admitted.

Wales have named a strong side for the game with a pack that is backboned by a large contingent from the Dragons. Blues hooker Rhys Williams is the captain.

"We've been down to Musgrave Park and we are really pleased with the facilities. I think the boys will enjoy playing here and now we just want the Festival to get underway," he added.

For information on the Ireland team and the Festival itself, please visit our dedicated Festival section by clicking here.

WALES UNDER-18 TEAM & REPLACEMENTS (v Ireland, 2008 U-18 Six Nations Festival, Musgrave Park, Wednesday, March 26, kick-off 7.30pm):

15 - James Loxton (Blues)

14 - Adam Hughes (Dragons)

13 - Ben John (Ospreys)

12 - Ashley Beck (Ospreys)

11 - Ieuan Coombes (Dragons)

10 - Matthew Jarvis (Ospreys)

9 - Rhys Downes (Blues)

1 - Daniel Watchurst (Dragons)

2 - Rhys Williams (Blues) (capt)

3 - Stewart Maguire (Dragons)

4 - Tom Crandon (Dragons)

5 - Joel Galley (Scarlets)

6 - Dave Francis (Dragons)

7 - Rhys Jenkins (Dragons)

8 - James Thomas (Dragons)

Replacements:

16 - Liam Powell (Dragons)

17 - Chris Lewis-Pratt (Exiles)

18 - Morgan Allan (Dragons)

19 - Dave Francis (Dragons)

20 - Gareth Jenkins (Ospreys)

21 - Ceri Davies (Ospreys)

22 - Lloyd Peers (Ospreys)

23 - James King (Scarlets)

24 - Gareth Davies (Scarlets)

25 - James Davies (Scarlets)