After making a perfect start to their U20 6 Nations campaign with two convincing wins over Ireland (3-19) and France (27-10), England’s youngsters return to home soil on Friday, 21 February, as they take on Scotland at Kingston Park, Newcastle. With their opponents still searching for their first victory, Mark Mapletoft’s side will be keen to maintain their unbeaten run and reinforce their status as defending champions.
Changes to the Starting XV
For this third fixture of the competition, the coaching staff have made a few tweaks to the lineup. Junior Kpoku, back from suspension, slots into the back row alongside George Timmins and Kane James. In the second row, captain Tom Burrow retains his place and will partner Olamide Sodeke. Up front, Tye Raymont earns his first start at tighthead prop.
The backline also sees a few fresh faces. Nick Lilley comes in at inside centre in place of Nic Allison, while Campbell Ridl and George Pearson—both yet to be capped—are set to make their debuts on the wing and at full-back, respectively. The half-back pairing remains unchanged, with Lucas Friday and Ben Coen once again tasked with steering the ship.
A Big Occasion at Kingston Park
Following a week’s break, England will be eager to pick up where they left off, feeding off the energy of the home crowd at Kingston Park. It has been seven years since the U20s last played at the home of Newcastle Falcons, and the squad are relishing the opportunity to put on a strong performance in front of their fans.
“The mood in camp has been excellent after our first two wins, but we know every match presents a new challenge. Playing in Newcastle is a special occasion for the lads, especially those making their first appearances at this level,” said head coach Mark Mapletoft.
England head into the fixture as clear favourites, but with nothing to lose, Scotland could prove to be tricky opposition. It will be down to Tom Burrow and his teammates to impose themselves early and ensure they continue their winning run, to obtain the Grand Slam they didn’t manage to win last year because of a 32-32 draw against Ireland.
England U20s Starting XV vs Scotland
15. George Pearson (Leicester Tigers, Buckingham RFC, uncapped)
14. Jack Bracken (Saracens, Barnet Elizabethans, 7 caps)
13. Angus Hall (Saracens, Sevenoaks Rugby Club, 8 caps)
12. Nick Lilley (Exeter Chiefs, Ivybridge RFC, 2 caps)
11. Campbell Ridl (Exeter Chiefs, Sharks, uncapped)
10. Ben Coen (Exeter Chiefs, Teignmouth RFC, 7 caps)
9. Lucas Friday (Harlequins, Bromley RFC, 8 caps)
1. Ralph McEachran (Sale Sharks, Guildford RFC, 2 caps)
2. Kepu Tuipulotu (Bath Rugby, Cwmbran RFC, 2 caps)
3. Tye Raymont (Sale Sharks, West Park Leeds RFC, 2 caps)
4. Olamide Sodeke (Saracens, Blackheath Rugby Club, 13 caps)
5. Tom Burrow (c) (Sale Sharks, Morley RUFC, 2 caps)
6. Junior Kpoku (Racing 92, Saracens Amateurs, 12 caps)
7. George Timmins (Bath Rugby, Market Harborough RUFC, 4 caps)
8. Kane James (Exeter Chiefs, St. Peter’s RFC, 11 caps)
Replacements:
16. Louie Gulley (Exeter Chiefs, Crediton RFC, 2 caps)
17. Oliver Scola (Northampton Saints, Old Northamptonians RFC, 2 caps)
18. Vilikesa Sela (Bath Rugby, Royal Wootton Bassett RFC, 11 caps)
19. Aiden Ainsworth-Cave (Northampton Saints, Bedford Junior Blues, 2 caps)
20. Connor Treacey (Bath Rugby, New Milton Rugby Club, uncapped)
21. Jonny Weimann (Northampton Saints, Royston Rugby Club, uncapped)
22. Josh Bellamy (Harlequins, Rosslyn Park, 12 caps)
23. Tyler Offiah (Bath Rugby, Ealing Trailfinders, uncapped)
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