England U20 beat Wales in round three of Six Nations
England U20 got their Six Nations campaign back to winning ways with a 43-14 victory over Wales in Doncaster.
Alan Dickens’ side ran in six tries to make it two wins from their opening three matches in the competition.
- England: Tries - Arundell (2), Theobald-Thomas, Ilione, Hobson, Bailey | Cons – Benson (3), Johnson (2) | Pens – Benson
- Wales: Tries – Barratt, Williams | Cons – Lloyd (2)
England had been looking to bounce back from defeat against Italy in round two but it was the visitors who started the stronger of the two sides, scoring inside the opening three minutes with Wales front row Rhys Barratt going over under the posts.
England’s fly-half Jamie Benson, at the centre of his side's fine performance, scored the first points for the hosts with a penalty 22 minutes into the match.
England’s first try came through Henry Arundell after 27 minutes after a superb break from winger Cassius Cleaves who was dangerous with the ball in hand throughout the game. Benson’s conversion gave England an 8-7 lead.
Wales were reduced to 14 men soon when number 8 Alex Mann was shown red for a dangerous tackle and the hosts took full advantage. A driving maul just before half time saw hooker Finn Theobald-Thomas touch down to make it 15-7 at the break.
England started the second half well with the power of their forwards starting to make a big difference. Emeka Ilione, named Man of the Match, bounced his way through several defenders to score England’s third try under the posts.
It was turning into a fierce contest between the two packs and Wales’ second row Benji Williams showed impressive strength around the fringes of the ruck to score and keep the visitors in the game.
It would be Wales’ final points of the match however with England asserting their dominance with the extra man. Dickens’ side secured the bonus point when prop Will Hobson crashed his way through three Wales players to score after 52 minutes, giving England a 29-14 lead.
England started to completely control the match in the final quarter, stretching Wales with good hands which led to Deago Bailey scoring when the ball was spread wide for the winger. Replacement Louie Johnson added the extras.
And Arundell continued his try-scoring form, showing his exceptional speed when chasing a kick ahead to score his second and the final try of the game. The conversion was good from Johnson with the final whistle making it 43-14 to England.
England will next face Ireland at home at the Stonex Stadium on 12 March with kick off at 19:15.
Teams
England
15 Henry Arundell (London Irish, Caps 1), 14 Deago Bailey (Bristol Bears, Caps 5), 13 Jacob Cusick (Leicester Tigers, Caps 0), 12 Ethan Grayson (Northampton Saints, Caps 2), 11 Cassius Cleaves (Harlequins, Caps 0), 10 Jamie Benson (Harlequins, 2 Caps), 9 Sam Edwards (Leicester Tigers, Caps 1); 1 Fin Baxter (Harlequins, Caps 3) - Captain, 2 Finn Theobald-Thomas (Worcester Warriors, Caps 1), 3 Will Hobson (Harlequins, Caps 2), 4 Charlie Rice (Bristol Bears, Caps 2), 5 Alfie Bell (Wasps, Caps 2), 6 Chandler Cunningham-South (London Irish, Caps 0)7 Toby Knight (Saracens, Caps 2), 8 Emeka Ilione (Leicester Tigers, Caps 3).
Replacements: 16 Joe Vajner (London Irish, Caps 0), 17 Archie McArthur (Wasps, Caps 0), 18 Mikey Summerfield (London Irish, Caps 2), 19 Lewis Chessum (Leicester Tigers, Caps 0), 20 Kofi Cripps (Wasps, Caps 1), 21 Matty Jones, (Gloucester Rugby, Caps 2), 22 Louie Johnson (Newcastle Falcons, Caps 2), 23 Rekeiti Ma’asi White (Wasps, Caps 0).
Wales
15. Iestyn Hopkins (Ospreys); 14. Cameron Winnett (Cardiff), 13. Eddie James (Scarlets), 12. Joe Hawkins (Ospreys), 11. Harri Houston (Ospreys); 10. Jac Lloyd (Bristol), 9. Morgan Lloyd (Dragons); 1. Rhys Barrett (Cardiff Met), 2. Morgan Veness (Ealing Trailfinders), 3. Adam Williams (Dragons), 4. Benji Williams (Ospreys), 5. Joe Peard (Dragons), 6. Tom Cowan (Bath), 7. Alex Mann (Cardiff, capt), 8. Ethan Frackrell (Cardiff).
Replacements: 16. Connor Chapman (Dragons), 17. Joe Cowell (Cardiff Met), 18. Nathan Evans (Cardiff), 19. Lewis Jones (Ospreys), 20. Morgan Morse (Ospreys), 21. Archie Hughes (Scarlets), 22. Dan Edwards (Ospreys), 23. Joe Westwood (Dragons).
Fixtures & Results
Scotland 24 - 41 England
Italy 6 v 0 England
England 43 v 14 Wales
England v Ireland - Saturday 12 March - KO 7.15pm
France v England - Sunday 20 March - KO 8pm
