Dawe Helps England U20 To Grand Slam Glory

Monday, March 20th 2017

Ollie Dawe put in another impressive shift as England U20 sealed their first Grand Slam since 2011 with a hard-fought victory over Ireland in Dublin.

The Academy prop was substituted in the 48th minute as England ground out a 14-10 victory at Donnybrook Stadium.

England led 14-3 at the break with tries from Jack Nay and Henry Walker, while Max Malins sent over two conversions.

Bill Johnston kicked a penalty for Ireland in between those scores who went into half-time trailing by 11 points.

Gavin Coombes crossed just after the hour mark with Johnston’s conversion reducing the deficit to 14-10 however, England held on for victory.

ON THE CHARGE: Ollie Dawe takes on the Ireland U20 defence at Donnybrook Stadium (Photo: Getty).

England U20 coach Tom Williams added: “We made it hard for ourselves, however the team have shown a lot of backbone and character today and that is what is so promising about this group of players.

“We know we can’t rest on our laurels and there is a lot to work on ahead of the World Rugby U20 Championship but we have a good platform to build from.”

England U20: Tom Parton (London Irish), Joe Cokanasiga (London Irish), Dominic Morris (Saracens), Will Butler (Worcester Warriors), Sam Aspland-Robinson (Harlequins), Max Malins (Saracens), Harry Randall (Gloucester Rugby); Ollie Dawe (Bristol Rugby), Henry Walker (Gloucester Rugby), Ciaran Knight (Gloucester Rugby), Jack Nay (Saracens), Nick Isiekwe (Saracens), Tom Curry (Sale Sharks), Ben Curry (Sale Sharks), Zach Mercer (Bath Rugby) (c).

Replacements: Jamie Blamire (Newcastle Falcons), Ralph Adams-Hale (Saracens), Joseph Morris (Worcester Warriors), Justin Clegg (Worcester Warriors), Josh Bayliss (Bath Rugby), Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints), Theo Brophy Clews (London Irish), Max Wright (Yorkshire Carnegie).