Wales Under-20s got off to a winning start at the IRB Junior World Championship in Argentina as they beat Samoa 22-13 in Parana.

A late try from centre Ashley Beck and 17 points from the boot of fellow Osprey Matthew Jarvis sealed the win.

Wales were pushed all the way with Samoa leading 10-9 at the interval.

The goal-kicking of Jarvis proved a vital factor as he landed six kicks out of seven, while Samoa missed their first six kicks at goal.

The Samoans scored two first-half tries through wing Lole Tualaulelei - despite having number eight Tony Faletau in the sin-bin at the time - and prop Joe Sililoto.

Wales next face Fiji, who were beaten 44-11 by defending champions New Zealand, before facing the Baby Blacks on Sunday as they look to match or improve on last year's sixth-placed finish in Japan.

Wales captain Dan Watchurst said: "We looked a bit tired in the second half but overall it was a pretty good start.

"We didn't really play through our phases in the first half but we did in the second half and managed to score a try.

"We know that Fiji will be similar to Samoa and that that will be another big test for us again."

Wales Under-20: Dan Fish; Kristian Phillips, Owen Williams, Ashley Beck, Adam Hughes; Matthew Jarvis, Rhys Downes; Dan Watchurst (capt), Rhys Williams, Rhodri Jones, Lloyd Peers, James Thomas, James King, Rhys Jenkins, Toby Faletau.
Replacements: Ieuan Davies (for Rhys Williams 78), Joe Rees (for Watchurst 67), Morgan Allen (for Faletau 59), Josh Navidi (for Jenkins 59), Gareth Davies (for Downes 52), Steve Shingler, Scott Williams (for Hughes 42).

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