Chiefs duo start U20s semi-final

By Mark Stevens
12/6/17

Exeter Chiefs duo Josh Caulfield and Marcus Street will again start for England ahead of their clash with South Africa in the semi-final of the World Rugby U20 Championship tomorrow (3pm).

The two academy forwards have played their part in helping guide the Red Rose country through to the last four, Caulfield even helping to set up the all-important winning try against Australia last time out.

Elsewhere, wing Darren Atkins gets his first start of the tournament, while the side will again be led by number eight Zach Mercer.

Gabriel Ibitoye, who has five tries so far in the competition, is named on the left wing, while Max Malins again starts at fly-half.

“I want to see the guys go out there, enjoy themselves and to play with a lot of energy,” said England U20 assistant coach Tom Williams. “This group has got huge character, they have shown it against Ireland to win the Grand Slam and they showed it against Australia to get us into this semi-final.”

England are unbeaten in the tournament, having sealed bonus-point victories against Samoa and Wales before defeating Australia in their final pool game.

They face South Africa in a repeat of last year’s semi-final and Williams is relishing the fixture.

“South Africa are an interesting team because they provide two separate type of challenges, they have a big forward pack and some quick and exciting backs.” he added.

Ibitoye is the joint top scorer of the tournament in Georgia and Williams hailed his performances while also recognising the opportunity for Atkins, who was called into the Championship as a late injury replacement.

“I’m thrilled for Gabs, he’s fulfilling some of the promise he showed throughout his academy time at Quins,” he said. “It’s a great opportunity for Darren, I feel for Paolo Odogwu who did a great job against Australia and produced a near faultless performance, however, Darren has a little bit more experience in the back three and that will help with South Africa’s kicking threat.”

England have called up James Grayson and England Sevens back Callum Sirker to cover for injuries, with Max Wright ruled out of the tournament.

“It’s disappointing to have lost Max, along with Ali Crossdale, Dom Morris and Sam Aspland-Robinson,” said Williams. “They have made a huge contribution, however, the guys that have come in have done really well, helped fill the void and I’m sure James and Callum will do likewise.

“Having also seen five players called into the senior squad for Argentina, it shows the strength in depth that we have in the player pathway.”

England U20 team to face South Africa:

15. Tom Parton (London Irish)
14. Darren Atkins (Bath Rugby)
13. Will Butler (Worcester Warriors)
12. Theo Brophy Clews (London Irish)
11. Gabriel Ibitoye (Harlequins)
10. Max Malins (Saracens)
9. Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints)
1. Ralph Adams-Hale (Saracens)
2. Joe Mullis (Gloucester Rugby)
3. Marcus Street (Exeter Chiefs)
4. Josh Caulfield (Exeter Chiefs)
5. Justin Clegg (Worcester Warriors)
6. Dino Lamb (Harlequins)
7. Ben Earl (Saracens)
8. Zach Mercer (Bath Rugby, capt)

Replacements:

16. Henry Walker (Gloucester Rugby)
17. Ollie Dawe (Bristol Rugby)
18. Ciaran Knight (Gloucester Rugby)
19. Max Davies (Newcastle Falcons)
20. Josh Bayliss (Bath Rugby)
21. Harry Randall (Gloucester Rugby)
22. Jacob Umaga (Wasps)
23. Paolo Odogwu (Sale Sharks)

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 20 v 19 Australia: Thursday 8 June - Avchala Stadium
Semi-final - England v South Africa: Tuesday 13 June - Mikheil Meskhi Stadium
Final and knock-out matches (Sunday 18 June) Details TBC