U20 Six Nations: Groves makes England bow, Chamberlain in Scotland action

England U20 22-23 Wales U20

Academy lock, Alex Groves was an unused replacement as England U20s were defeated 23-22 by Wales in the U20 Six Nations Championship at Gloucester’s Kingsholm Stadium.

Groves, who arrived at Bristol Bears in January 2020 from St John’s College in South Africa on a two-year agreement with the integrated Academy, was called up to the squad at the beginning of the week and named on the bench for Friday's clash.

England trailed 14-5 at the break with Wales scoring tries via Sam Costelow and Bradley Roderic, while Emmanuel Iyogun crossed for the hosts.

Second-half scores from George Barton, Sam Crean and Jack Van Poortvliet put England ahead but Costelow's late drop goal, as well as two earlier penalties sealed victory.

It was a second successive loss for Alan Dickens' side following their defeat to Ireland in round three.

Wales struck first, as Costelow jinked his way through for the opening try of the game, also converting his own score.

Iyogun bundled over from close range but Wales had a second try, Bradley Roderick finishing off Costelow's initial break to give his side a nine-point advantage at the break.

Barton ran a fine line and darted over in the corner to get England back in the game but Costelow sent over a penalty immediately after for 17-10.

England had a try disallowed for an earlier forward pass, before losing full back Freddie Steward for 10 minutes due to a high tackle.

Crean had England’s third try, diving through a ruck to dot down, but Barton’s conversion struck the post and soon after Costelow’s penalty took the score to 20-15.

Van Poortvliet finished off Josh Gillespie's break to seal a bonus point and Haydon-Wood's conversion put England ahead before Costelow's late drop goal gave Wales a slender advantage.

England looked to score another late try to win the game but were penalised for a forward pass in the final minute with the match finishing 23-22 to the visitors.

Scotland U20 22-29 France U20

Nathan Chamberlain kicked seven points but Scotland U20 were edged out by France U20 at Netherdale on Friday night.

The fly half was on target with two conversions and a penalty, but it wasn’t enough to prevent France from earning a bonus point win.

The gamer was all square at 17-17 at half time, but two second half scores from the French sealed victory.