Academy U18 duo suffer defeats in international series openers

Bates was a second-half substitute as England were defeated 41-21 by France, while Lloyd started at full-back as a late try condemned Wales to 43-40 defeat to host South Africa in a high-scoring thriller.

Trailing 31-0 at the break, England scored three second half tries through George Martin, Josh Gillespie and Raphael Quirke to reduce the deficit.

Wales U18 were cruelly denied the perfect start to the U18 International Series by South Africa Schools after it looked like they had snatched victory at the death.

Scarlets flanker Jac Morgan looked as if he had capped off the perfect end to an enthralling encounter when he caught South Africa napping to crash over with two minutes to go. But SA Schools replacement Jurich Claasens found a hole in the Wales defence to seal a 43-40 triumph at Boland Landbou.

England and Wales face off in Stellenberg on Tuesday (August 14^th, 1.15pm BST, live on S4C).