Halliwell set for first England U20 start against Georgia

Joe Jenkins is named among the replacements for Saturday’s clash, with the match kicking off at 16:00 BST (19:00 local time) and streamed on the Georgian Rugby Facebook page.

Sale’s Tristan Woodman captains the side from open-side flanker, joined in the back row by Zach Carr and Nathan Michelow.

Ethan Clarke starts at loosehead prop alongside Harlequins teammate Nathan Jibulu at hooker, while Bristol Bears’ Halliwell packs down at tighthead prop.

Harvey Cuckson and Harry Browne lock behind them in the second row.

Sharks scrum half Nye Thomas and Newcastle’s Louie Johnson are the halves pairing, while Toby Thame and Jacob Cusick partner in the centres.

The back three will see Alex Wills and Benjamin Waghorn take their places on the left and right wing respectively with Connor Slevin named at full back.

Craig Wright, Asher Opoku-Fordjour, Afolabi Fasogbon, Finn Carnduff, Chandler Cunningham-South, Charlie Bracken, Joseph Woodward and Joe Jenkins are the replacements. 

Mapletoft said: “We’ve selected a side for our first match against Georgia U20 which will give us a chance to try out new on-pitch combinations and also to see players who didn’t play big minutes during the Under-20 Six Nations campaign.

“We expect the locals to come out hard, backed by a vocal crowd. We can’t wait for the experience.”

England men’s U20 team

15. Connor Slevin (Harlequins)
14. Benjamin Waghorn (Harlequins)
13. Jacob Cusick (Leicester Tigers)
12. Toby Thame (Northampton Saints)
11. Alex Wills (Sale Sharks)
10. Louie Johnson (Newcastle Falcons)
9. Nye Thomas (Sale Sharks)

1. Ethan Clarke (Harlequins)
2. Nathan Jibulu (Harlequins)
3. James Halliwell (Bristol Bears)
4. Harvey Cuckson (Bath Rugby)
5. Harry Browne (Harlequins)
6. Nathan Michelow (Saracens)
7. Tristan Woodman (Sale Sharks)
8. Zach Carr (Harlequins)

Replacements:

16. Craig Wright (Northampton Saints)
17. Asher Opoku-Fordjour (Sale Sharks)
18. Afolabi Fasogbon (London Irish)
19. Finn Carnduff (Leicester Tigers)
20. Chandler Cunningham-South (London Irish)
21. Charlie Bracken (Saracens)
22. Joseph Woodward (Leicester Tigers)
23. Joe Jenkins (Bristol Bears)