England U20 beaten by Wales in final game of U20 Six Nations
England U20 were beaten 23-13 by Wales at Cardiff Arms Park in their final game of the U20 Men's Six Nations. England's points came through Ralph McEachran's early try and eight points from the boot of Ben Coen, whereas Wales scored through Steffan Emmanuel, Harry Rees-Weldon and 13 points off the tee by Harri Wilde.
An early knock-on offered Wales the chance to clear their lines, but England won a penalty from a dominant scrum that Coen kicked to touch. From the lineout Nic Allison carried hard, before Kepu Tuipulotu wrapped round and threw a spectacular offload to McEachran who charged over with three minutes played and Coen converted.
Shortly after, the forwards put in another strong showing at the scrum and England patiently built pressure in Wales’ 22, gaining penalty advantage numerous times. Again they kicked for the corner but the ball was spilled at the lineout and Wales cleared.
However, Mark Mapletoft’s side showed no sign of letting up and won another penalty at the breakdown as Wales’ Dan Gemine was yellow carded for the cumulation of infringements.
England’s scrum continued to be a source of strength, winning multiple penalties, but they were unable to convert as both Kane James and George Timmins knocked on just short of the line.
With 17 minutes played, Wales got on the scoreboard thanks to a penalty from Wilde. England responded shortly after with a penalty, as Tom Burrow elected to go for the posts and Coen converted to lead 3-10.
Another strong carry from Tuipulotu brought England out of their 22 and a smart chip from Coen was regathered by Angus Hall. England recycled but Hall knocked on in the following play, however Wales were penalised for a push off the ball and Coen slotted the penalty for a 10-point lead.
On the half-hour mark, Wales won a penalty at the breakdown and Wilde converted to make it 6-13. Wales then threatened by visiting England’s 22, but Tuipulotu won a strong turnover to repel the danger.
With 34 minutes on the clock, the hosts hit back through Emmanuel who latched onto Wilde’s chip, before Wilde converted to draw his side level.
England then looked to respond with an immediate try, but resolute defence from Wales kept them at bay and Wales cleared to end the half with the scores level.
Wales struck first two minutes into the second half, when Wilde fizzed a pass to Rees-Weldon who scored acrobatically in the corner. Wilde then added the extras to give his side a 20-13 lead.
England almost hit back immediately with some powerful carries, but a knock-on ended the attack despite having retained the ball for multiple phases.
Mapletoft began to ring the changes, but the hosts’ defence continued to frustrate his side, with neither side able to register points for the following 27 minutes.
Wales’ Tom Bowen came closest, however Jack Bracken’s covering tackle forced him to knock on. The scoreless period was broken with just over 10 minutes remaining as Wales won a penalty and Wilde converted to extend their lead to 10 points. Soon after Bracken was shown a yellow card for a dangerous tackle.
With five minutes remaining, England were awarded a penalty in the Welsh half and Coen found the 22 with his kick. A clever interchange between Burrow and replacement Louie Gulley saw them surge towards the line, before they were awarded a penalty for a tackle off the ball.
Needing two scores to win, England kicked to the corner and won the lineout. They worked through the phases and again Wales were penalised, but the penalty was reversed for a melee after the whistle.
Aiden Ainsworth-Cave was then yellow carded as Wales held on to win and end England’s Grand Slam and title hopes.
Reaction
Captain Tom Burrow: "We're hurting, naturally. It's not the result we wanted and we have to take a long hard look at ourselves, but it's definitely put fire in the hearts for three months' time. We have three months now to right some wrongs.
"We pride ourselves on our brotherhood and we stuck together. No matter the result we're a tight-knit brotherhood."
Replacements
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