The French and English U-21 side remain unbeaten after two rounds of this years U-21 championship – with France top of the table by virtue of an incredible 92-25 points difference. Wales are in third spot after losing 22-30 to France at Ebbw Vale, that followed an opening day victory 38-36 over Ireland.
It won’t just be the game between France and England at Stade de France on 2 March that will be vital – the clash between the respective Under 21 sides of both nations at Orleans the following day will also be crucial. Following their first win on Welsh soil last weekend.
Both teams are unbeaten in their opening two matches, so something will have to give in Orleans. England built on their away win in Scotland to beat Ireland 28-23 at Coventry. Senior caps Tom Voyce and Olly Barkley were in a smart home back division, but it was the newcomer, Bath centre Alex Crockett, who grabbed the glory with a try in each half. His midfield partner, James Simpson-Daniel of Gloucester, also scored a try while Barkley kicked 13 points. There was an historic first win in the Six Nations Under 21 championship for Italy with a 6-3 victory over Scotland in Noceto.
ROUND 1
Ireland 36, Wales 38 (Dublin)
Scotland 16, England 31 (Dunbar)
France 62, Italy 3 (Grenoble)
ROUND 2
England 28, Ireland 23 (Coventry)
Wales 22, France 30 (Ebbw Vale)
Italy 6, Scotland 3 (Noceta)
LEADING POINTS SCORERS
32 Olly Barkley (England)
30 Nicolas Laharrague (France)
23 Gavin Henson (Wales)
23 Ian Humphreys (Ireland)
LEADING TRY SCORERS
4 Michael Mabillon (France)
3 Jean-Baptiste Gobelet (France)
2 Liam Roberts (Wales)
2 Alex Crockett (England)
2 James Simpson-Daniel (England)
2 Geoffrey Messina (France)
2 Simon Keogh (Ireland)
2 Denis Leamy (Ireland)
