U20s 6 Nations 2018: Round 2 Roundup

France and England maintained their winning run while Ireland managed to edge out Italy in the round two of the U20 Six Nations tournament held on Friday.

Ireland U20s 38 - 34 Italy U20s

In what was an eventful first five minutes, Tommaso Coppo and his counterpart James McCarthy as the scores were levelled 5-5 but Italy suffered a massive setback in the ninth minute when flanker Jacopo Bianchi was red-carded. Ireland made use of the numerical advantage with tries from Hugh O'Sullivan and Cormac Daly in the 13th and 16th minutes respectively while Harry Byrne slotted the conversions. McCarthy (24') and Peter Sullivan (35') added further tries for Ireland to help them complete a bonus point.

Despite being down to 14-men, Niccolo Cannone (40'+4') crossed over as Italy reduced the gap to 16 points heading into the break. Jack Aungier provided Ireland comfort with a try at the start of the second half but Italy gave a scare to the hosts Damiano Mazza (51'), Antonio Rizzi (62') and Edoardo Iachizzi (79') scoring tries but fell short by four points.

Ireland now move to the fourth position in the table while Italy are positioned fifth.

England U20s 37 - 12 Wales U20s

Harri Morgan started the proceedings with a 12th minute try but England responded back strongly with touchdowns from Ben White (18') and Cameron Redpath (31') while James Grayson kicked two penalties and a conversion to help the home side claim a 18-5 lead.

England claimed the bonus point at the start of the second half with Gabriel Ibitoye (43') and Jordan Olowofela (46') scoring tries as they increased their lead to 32-5. Rio Dyer scored a consolation try for Wales in the 74th minute but his efforts were negated by Aaron Hinkley four minutes later as England completed a 37-12 victory.

The win meant England are at second place with Wales slipping to the third position.

Scotland U20s 19 - 69 France U20s

A dominant first half performance from France saw Maxence Lemardelet (14'), Pierre Boudehent (28'), Maxime Lamothe (32') and Baptiste Heguy (36') scoring tries while Ntamack kicked four conversions and two penalties to make it 0-34 at half time.

The dominance from France continued in the second half as well with Lucas Tauzin (40'), Seguret (43', 45' and 65') along with Louis Carbonel (63') crossing over and despite a double from Guy Graham and a penalty try, Scotland went on to lose the game by 50 points. France have moved to the top position in the table while Scotland languish at the bottom.

Round 3 Fixtures:

23-02-2018

France U20s v Italy U20s, Stade Jean-Laville
Ireland U20s v Wales U20s, Dublin
Scotland U20s v England U20s, Myerside