Chiefs trio help England U20s to win

Exeter Chiefs trio Stuart Townsend, Sam Skinner and Jack Innard helped England kick off the defence of their World Rugby U20 title this evening with 59-7 victory over Championship newcomers Japan at the Stadio San Michele, Calvisano.

In a dominant and composed first half England built a strong 45-0 lead with tries from George Perkins, Jack Walker, Tom Howe and two apiece for Aaron Morris and Townsend.

Japan were not however to be completely undone and following the break kept England under pressure with a passionate and determined performance.

Head Coach Jon Callard said: “I am pleased with that performance, we came out of the blocks and started really well. We were clinical with the opportunities that presented themselves to us.
"Second half we emptied the bench and Japan found momentum. To their credit, they were very good and stretched us on the edge with their attacking play. We are through the first game and will be all the better for the experience of dealing with the heat and conditions out here.”

England opened the scoring within the first minute through Perkins which Rory Jennings converted. A second was added minutes later when hooker Jack Walker charged over in the corner, again Jennings was on target.

Scrum-half Townsend (pictured) darted over from the back of England’s driving maul before full-back Morris got in on the action to score England’s fourth try and secure the all-important bonus point. Jennings’ conversion put England 26-0 ahead within 15 minutes. A second soon followed for Morris as he raced onto the offload from Nick Tompkins.

Just before the half hour mark Japan began building some phases with periods of attack in England’s half but strong work at the breakdown by Paul Hill caused Japan to be penalised for not releasing. Townsend took the penalty quickly, sprinting down field to claim his second in an all round authoritative performance.

Howe, making his first England start, added one more just before half time, again created by Tompkins – this time a perfectly weighted grubber.

Replacement Skinner got the score board ticking within minutes of the second half. It looked like Japan had responded when Tevita Tatafu drove over the line, much to the delight of the crowd however it was disallowed for obstruction.

Buoyed by their efforts, Japan remained on the offensive and were eventually rewarded with a penalty try when Max Clark saw yellow for a deliberate knock on. Ryuji Noguchi converted to claim the full seven points with twenty minutes left to play.

Momentum remained with Japan until the final ten minutes when England pushed for a final score and it was debutant Will Witty who went over.

England U20 v Japan U20:

15 Aaron Morris (Saracens)
14 George Perkins (Saracens)
13 Nick Tompkins (Saracens)
12 Max Clark (Bath Rugby)
11 Tom Howe (Wasps)
10 Rory Jennings (Bath Rugby)
9 Stuart Townsend (Exeter Chiefs)
1 Ellis Genge (Bristol Rugby)
2 Jack Walker (Yorkshire Carnegie)
3 Paul Hill (Yorkshire Carnegie)
4 Will Witty (Newcastle Falcons)
5 Charlie Ewels (Bath Rugby, Captain)
6 Lewis Ludlam (Northampton Saints)
7 Will Owen (Leicester Tigers)
8 James Chisholm (Harlequins)

Replacements:

16 Jack Innard (Exeter Chiefs) on for Jack Walker 40 mins
17 Sebastian Adeniran-Olule (Harlequins) on for Ellis Genge 40 mins
18 Ciaran Parker (Sale Sharks) on for Paul Hill 40 mins
19 Sam Skinner (Exeter Chiefs) on for Charlie Ewels 40 minutes
20 Charlie Beckett (Leicester Tigers) on for Lewes Ludlam 55 minutes
21 James Mitchell (Sale Sharks) on for Stuart Townsend 40 minutes
22 Lloyd Evans (Gloucester) on for George Perkins 70 minutes
23 Piers O’Conor (Wasps) on for Aaron Morris 40 minutes

 

England's Schedule: (Live on BT Sport)
June 2, England 59 - 7 Japan, KO 5.30pm BST, Stadio San Michele Calvisano
June 6, England v Wales, KO 7.30pm BST, Stadio San Michele Calvisano
June 10, England v France, KO 3.30pm BST, Stadio Luigi Zaffanella Viadana
June 15, Semi-finals and knock-out games. Details TBC
June 20, Final and knock-out games, Details TBC