England U20 earn bonus-point win over Wales
England earned their second bonus-point victory of the World Rugby U20 Championship after a hard-earned 34-22 victory over Wales at Avchala Stadium.
The reigning champions led 24-10 at half-time with tries from Justin Clegg and Gabriel Ibitoye (2), while Malins converted all three as well a penalty.
Wales scores came from Kieron Assiratti as well as five points from the boot of Dane Blacker and they narrowed the deficit soon after with a penalty try.
However, Mitchell settled England’s nerves, also earning the extra point while Malins sent over a conversion and drop goal before Joe Goodchild’s late try for Wales.
England head coach Ian Vass said: “Overall you have to be pleased with a bonus point victory and I thought our boys worked really, really hard and we had some purple patches where we played some really good stuff and we had some periods where we defended really well.
“There probably wasn’t a flow to the game and it wasn’t the best looking game but in these pool stages it’s all about getting through them.”
England captain Max Malins said: “We knew that Wales were going to be tough opposition for us and not everything went our way however I’m really proud of the fight and determination we showed to get over the line. Every point is crucial in this competition so we’re pleased with the start we have made to get two bonus point victories.
“It’s important we now focus on attention on Australia next week which we know will be another tough game.”
England U20:
15. Tom Parton (London Irish)
14. Sam Aspland-Robinson (Harlequins)
13. Max Wright (Yorkshire Carnegie)
12. Theo Brophy Clews (London Irish)
11. Gabriel Ibitoye (Harlequins)
10. Max Malins (Saracens) captain
9. Harry Randall (Gloucester Rugby)
1. Ralph Adams-Hale (Saracens)
2. Henry Walker (Gloucester Rugby)
3. Ciaran Knight (Gloucester Rugby)
4. Jack Nay (Saracens)
5. Justin Clegg (Worcester Warriors)
6. Josh Bayliss (Bath Rugby)
7. Ben Earl (Saracens)
8. Zach Mercer (Bath Rugby)
Replacements:
16. Joe Mullis (Gloucester Rugby)
17. Ollie Dawe (Bristol Rugby)
18. Marcus Street (Exeter Chiefs)
19. Josh Caulfield (Exeter Chiefs)
20. Max Davies (Newcastle Falcons)
21. Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints)
22. Jacob Umaga (Wasps)
23. Will Butler (Worcester Warriors)
Tries: Clegg, Ibitoye (2), Mitchell
Conversions: Malins (4)
Penalties: Malins
Drop goal: Malins
England’s 2017 World Rugby U20 Championship fixtures:
England 74 v 14 Samoa: Wednesday 31 May – Avchala Stadium
England 34 v 22 Wales: Sunday 4 June – Avchala Stadium
England v Australia: Thursday 8 June – Avchala Stadium (5:30pm KO BST)
Semi-finals and knock-out matches (Tuesday 13 June) Details TBC
Final and knock-out matches (Sunday 18 June) Details TBC
Notes to editors:
For England interview opportunities throughout the World Rugby U20 Championship please contact Jamie Hopkins (jamiehopkins@rfu.com/ 07885 449182)
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