Fisilau to start for England Under-20s

By Mark Stevens
9/3/23

Exeter Chiefs forward Greg Fisilau starts for England Under-20s ahead of their clash with France tomorrow at Bath's Recreation Ground (8pm).

The gifted No.8 has started every game for Alan Dickens' side, who remain unbeaten having secured wins against Scotland, Italy and Wales so far this season.

A new starting lock combination will see captain Lewis Chessum joined in the second row by fellow Leicester Tiger, Robert Carmichael, who earns his first start.

Archie McArthur and Tim Hoyt are the two starting props with Finn Theobald-Thomas at hooker.

Following his Player of the Match performance against Wales, Tristan Woodman retains his spot at openside flanker, with Finn Carnduff packing on the other side of the scrum and Fisilau at the back.

Charlie Bracken and Monty Bradbury continue their partnership in the halves, while Rekeiti Ma'asi-White moves to inside centre and is joined in the midfield by debutant Joe Jenkins.

Josh Hathaway and Tobias Elliott will wear the number 11 and 14 jerseys respectively, with Sam Harris at fullback.

Harry Browne has been named on the bench for a potential debut. Calum Scott, Asher Opoku-Fordjour, Afolabi Fasogbon, Joshua Manz, Nye Thomas, Benjamin Waghorn and Cassius Cleaves, who returns from injury, are the other replacements.

Dickens said: “This is a new team playing in 2023 with fresh faces, so we’ve been focused on togetherness throughout our campaign. I’ve been impressed with how the players have been able to put into practice what we’ve learned and improved on our performances each week, and we’re looking to continue that against France.

“France is a good side with quality players across the park who regularly play in the Top 14. The way they fought back into the contest against Ireland showed that they’re a tight group, and France was unlucky not to come away with the win. They then followed that up with a fantastic performance against Scotland two weeks ago.

“This will be a big match, and one we’ll have to be at our best for. Congratulations to Joe Jenkins and Harry Browne on their first involvements in the matchday 23, it’s a special occasion.”

ENGLAND UNDER-20s TO FACE FRANCE UNDER-20s

15. Sam Harris (Bath Rugby)
14. Tobias Elliott (Saracens)
13. Joe Jenkins (Bristol Bears)
12. Rekeiti Ma'asi-White (Sale Sharks)
11. Josh Hathaway (Gloucester)
10. Monty Bradbury (London Irish)
9. Charlie Bracken (Saracens)
1. Archie McArthur (Gloucester)
2. Finn Theobald-Thomas (Gloucester)
3. Tim Hoyt (Leicester Tigers)
4. Robert Carmichael (Leicester Tigers)
5. Lewis Chessum (Leicester Tigers, capt)
6. Finn Carnduff (Leicester Tigers)
7. Tristan Woodman (Sale Sharks)
8. Greg Fisilau (Exeter Chiefs)

16. Calum Scott (London Irish)
17. Asher Opoku-Fordjour (Sale Sharks)
18. Afolabi Fasogbon (London Irish)
19. Harry Browne (Harlequins)
20. Joshua Manz (Leicester Tigers)
21. Nye Thomas (Sale Sharks)
22. Benjamin Waghorn (Harlequins)
23. Cassius Cleaves (Harlequins)