DRAGONS RFC and Wales Under 20 centre Hari Ackerman has urged the team to build on the potential shown against Six Nations champions Ireland.

Wales under 20s welcomed Ireland to Stadiwm CSM, in Colwyn Bay on Friday evening, where the defending champions began the defence of the Six Nations crown with a 27-24 victory.

Bryon Hayward’s side were in the lead at the half-time interval by one point at 15-14, with Ireland having to overcome the deficit to win the match.

Ackerman’s partnership with fellow centre Louie Hennessey caught the eye on the night as the midfield duo made 116 metres between them in attack, while sharing 20 carries in an action-packed game.

The pair are no strangers as they both played for Wales at under 18 level, Ackerman, 18 is eager for the partnership to continue to flourish and Wales to stay on the attack.

He said: “I play with Louie through the U18s Six Nations and I think we are developing something really good.

“I’m looking forward to trying to play off him a bit more. He’s a really good player and runs lovely lines.

“Our attacking game is coming on Bryon [Hayward] always says play through even in training, play through and try and get an off-load.

“I think that showed throughout the game and showed with two or three off-loads in our second try. Everyone showed pride against Ireland, even when the game was over, we still tried hard.

“It felt like we were a lot nearer than the final score-line. When we were down to 14 men and scored that really gave us a boost so there is plenty to be proud of.”

Ackerman also paid tribute to his inexperienced pack after the seven new caps went toe to toe with the champions.

He added: “I thought the forwards put in hell of a shift, the driving maul five metres out quite often teams score from there, but our forwards really dug in and played for the badge.

“I think we showed what we can do in some parts, going into halftime with a lead, you can’t ask for more than that but at under20s rugby you want to keep it up for 80 minutes.

“We need to go in and look at key shifts of momentum and try to capitalise on them against Scotland.”