Fisilau helps England Under-20s to back-to-back wins

By Mark Stevens
11/2/23

Exeter Chiefs forward Greg Fisilau helped England Under-20s make it two successive victories in the 2023 Six Nations defeating Italy 32-25 at Gloucester’s Kingsholm Stadium.

First-half tries from Sam Harris, Rekeiti Ma’asi-White and Tobias Elliott were added to by Chandler Cunningham-South and Afolabi Fasogbon after the break as the hosts held off a spirited Italy side whose tries came from Destiny Aminu (2), Marcos Gallorini and Filippo Bozzoni.

England are next in action on 24 February when they travel to Colwyn Bay to take on Wales in round three.

The home side were quick to find their rhythm in Gloucester and opened the scoring after eight minutes, Harris bursting through to dot down after being released by Ma’asi-White.

Having set up the first try, Ma’asi-White was on hand to apply the finishing touch to the second when a delicate chip from Monty Bradbury bounced perfectly for the onrushing centre to crash over from close range.

Harris’ conversion extended the lead to 12-0 but Italy responded through Aminu’s first try of the evening.

Giovanni Sante’s conversion was charged down but the fly-half was successful with his next effort, a penalty which came shortly after Harris had slotted one of his own.

The final action of the first period saw England extend their lead in style. Quick feet and a superb offload from Josh Hathaway started the move and when the ball was switched from left to right, Elliott was in position to finish superbly in the corner.

Harris’ missed conversion left England 20-8 ahead at the end of a first half which saw them make 305 metres from 41 carries, with 17 defenders beaten and four clean breaks.

The start of the second half saw two England players yellow carded within six minutes of the restart, Archie McArthur for a scrum offence and Hathaway following a dangerous tackle.

Italy were quick to capitalise against 13 men, Marcos Gallorini joining fellow prop Aminu on the scoresheet with a converted try which reduced England’s lead to 20-15. But the hosts saw out the remaining minutes with the numerical disadvantage and were able to extend their lead while still a man light, Cunningham-South securing the try bonus point after a rolling maul had taken England to within touching distance of the line.

Aminu’s second try brought Italy back within seven but England made the victory safe when Fasogbon escaped down the left and crossed in the corner. 

Italy ensured they would leave Kingsholm with two bonus points following Filippo Bozzoni’s late score but it came too late to prevent Alan Dickens’ side securing a second straight victory.