England U20s prove too strong

By Mark Stevens
4/2/17

England Under-20s got their 2017 Six Nations campaign off to a flying start, thumping visiting France 59-17 at Sandy Park.

Although falling behind to an early Thomas Darmon penalty, the hosts ruled the roost during the first half and led 31-3 at the break thanks to tries from Joe Cokanasiga, Ben Earl, Will Butler, Tom Curry and Max Malins, who also banged over three conversions.

France were much improved after the break, scoring tries of their own through forwards Selevasio Tolofua and Baptiste Pesenti, but it was scant reward on a day when England’s young guns proved totally dominant.

Max Wright and Malins added further tries, before the Red Rose country put the seal on a fine performance with late tries from Sam Ashland-Robinson and Tom Parton.

England Under-20s coach Louis Deacon said: “I thought the lads were outstanding today, especially in the first half. They worked hard for each other and as a new group of coaches it’s great to see that desire and intensity, especially when there was an element of the unknown for our first game involved in the set-up.

“I think we got the balance right with the selection against a French side who we knew were going to be physical up front. We’’ll enjoy the win but are very aware that there is plenty for us to work on and we will now focus our attentions on Wales next week.”