England emerged as
39-18 victors in their opening game of the U20 Championship in Narbonne. With the
bonus point secured just after half-time, England will be delighted with their
impressive performance against a competitive Argentina side. They will now hope
to build on this performance as they prepare to face Italy at the weekend.
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| A warm afternoon in Narbonne as England begin their U20 Championship campaign |
In a slightly nervous
opening, England’s misfiring set-piece and handling errors looked reminiscent
of a disappointing performance against the Junior Boks three weeks ago. After
falling behind, England regained their composure and took control of the match.
Their opening score came from Leicester winger Jordan Olowofela, dotting the
ball down after some hard yards from the forwards.
England,
now growing into the game, had their second score shortly after. Hooker Henry
Walker, finding his man at the lineout 5m out before joining the back of a
driving maul and finishing off the try. Argentina retook the lead with some
strong carrying despite valiant English defence.
It was England, however, who
ended the half in the lead with a try epitomising the style of play England
require. Captain Ben Curry, demonstrated his excellent skill at the breakdown,
as well as his physical defensive effort, to earn England a penalty. With the
forwards creating quick ball it gave England opportunity to unleash their
backline, this time Fraser Dingwall linked up well with Jordan Olowofela, who crossed
for his second try of the day.
England came firing out of the
blocks in the second half. An excellent running line from Josh Basham, who carried
well throughout, earned England a long-range penalty, which Tom Hardwick converted.
England further extended their lead
shortly afterwards with their bonus point try. With Argentina pinned deep
inside their territory, a well-executed lineout gave England excellent field
position. This time Ben Curry showed his deft touch, as a neat ball to Henry
Walker, running a good supporting line, found him through a hole and under the
posts; the Gloucester hooker picking up his second score of the day.
The pace of the game began to
slow down as replacements were made and the physical nature of the contest began
to take its toll on the sides. An exchange of penalties kept England well in
front, with Argentina unable to threaten a well drilled England side.
The final score of the game came
a few minutes from time. This time the English backline keen to show its prowess.
A quick lineout just inside the England half found the star man Olowofela once
again, as he danced past would-be tacklers. The excellent run stopped just inside
the Argentine 22m, but an offload found replacement fly-half Marcus Smith on
his shoulder, who crossed for his first try for England.
A convincing victory for England
will delight Steve Bates and the coaching staff. Despite Argentina’s physical
game, and some early jitters, England controlled the vast majority of the game.
A professional and composed performance will put to rest any doubt following a slightly
disappointing Six Nations campaign.
The England side looked like a
well drilled unit, with forwards looking both strong defensively and adept with
ball in hand, Ben Curry & Josh Basham the pick of the crop. The backline
looks like it could well live up to the high expectations it has been set. Despite
losing Ali Crossdale early, Jordan Olowofela is likely to create a selection
headache with his excellent performance as he competes with Gabriel Ibitoye and
Ben Loader.
England will now begin preparations
for Sunday’s fixture against Italy in Perpignan. The Italian side will prove no
pushovers, as they beat Scotland in their opening game with a last-minute try.
England will need to continue the form they found in their opening fixture and
will be hoping to set their sights on a high seeding for the semi-finals in two
weeks’ time.
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