English errors prove costly in defeat to Italy U18

England fell to a second defeat in the U18 Six Nations Festival at the hands of an impressive Italy side. A slow start found England trailing 14-0 before the half. Despite a spirited second half, they were on the wrong end of the 32-30 score line, to the visible delight of the Italian side.

Italy 32-30 England at Cardiff Arms Park

There were 11 changes to the England side narrowly beaten by Scotland on Saturday. This meant all 26 squad members had the opportunity for much needed game time, including Gloucester fly-half, George Barton, returning for the first time after his nasty injury at the U18 Finals Day. Impressive back-row JJ Tonks and Northampton winger Ollie Sleightholme were two of the four players who retained their places from the weekend.

England would have hoped for another quick start but the initial stages looked fragmented with handling errors gifting Italy territory and possession. Italy made the most of their territorial advantage and gave themselves a 9-0 lead through the boot of fly-half Paolo Garbisi.

The only try of the half came through a mistake at the lineout from England. With Italy breaking through the England defence a strong tackle from Sleightholme held the Italians 5m out, but Matteo Drudi burrowed over shortly after to score. England put themselves on the board just before the end of the half with a penalty, trailing 14-3.

England began to establish themselves in the contest at the start of the second half, trading early penalties. The replacements for England made an instant impact as Bevan Rodd made an electric break up field, side stepping several Italian defenders. Quick ball gave Sleightholme the space to dash in the corner to score England’s first try.

As England continued to work themselves back into the game, handling errors proved costly as a ball spilt inside the 22m was collected by Italian centre Moscardi who cantered under the posts unopposed, restoring the lead to 24-11. However, England hit back immediately putting the Italians under pressure from the kick-off. A clever lineout 5m out created space to send replacement prop Alfie Barbeary down the touchline to narrow the scores again.

With England in the ascendancy, dominating territory and looking threatening with ball in hand, they narrowed the score line once again. A quick tap penalty from scrum half Boyland had the Italian defenders scrambling. Recycling the ball quickly gave Barbeary his second try in quick succession.

England continued to look to attack from deep, looking for a try to take the lead for the first time in the contest. However, another handling error inside their 22m proved costly as winger Batista collected a loose ball for Italy and had the pace to score, re-establishing the lead to 32-23.

The momentum stayed with England as the players dug deep to continue to push Italy and cause problems with ball in hand. This time the set-piece was firing on all cylinders as a driving maul from 10m was dragged down illegally by Italy and England were awarded a penalty try. Despite England’s efforts to steal the victory the Italians held on to seal a 32-30 victory, cueing raucous celebrations from the touchline.

England will be frustrated with their slow start in the first half and costly errors, however showed great endeavour to dominant vast periods of the second half. The replacements provided a real injection of precision and power which aided England in their fightback. Alfie Barbeary impressed with two tries, and Bevan Rodd made a real impact, causing problems for the Italy defence. Number 8, Rus Tuima, used his physicality well, continually breaking the gain line. The standout performance was from Gloucester back rower, JJ Tonks. His defensive and breakdown work was outstanding, as well as support running going forward.

England will face France in their final fixture, returning to the Cardiff Arms Park on Sunday. They will be looking to avenge their 27-5 loss to France earlier in March as well as ensure they finish the Six Nations festival with a win. They will hope to combine the dominant first half performance against Scotland with the spirted second half performance against Italy. France will provide the ultimate test for this U18 side. They are putting together an impressive year so far, with just one loss to Scotland today, and will be keen to make amends on Sunday.