Reffell says England executed their game plan to great effect in the U20 Six Nations last Friday night: “They were really powerful, they did a lot of homework and really took the game to us and we did not match it. Credit to them. There is a lot to learn from it.”
At Kingston Park, Wales failed to capitalise on a promising start that saw quick-thinking scrum-half Harri Morgan crossed for his second try in as many games in the tournament. “We always talk about a quick start and then when we did score perhaps we stepped off the gas a bit and they got on top,” says Reffell. “It is about learning from that, staying calm, not panicking and sticking to your game. They are things to learn.”
Being named captain for the first game against Scotland took Reffell by surprise, but he’s enjoyed the responsibility. “The main goal for me was just to get on the team so to then be named captain is such a major honour,” he admits. “I was taken to one side and asked if I wanted to do it, then the coach announced it to the squad. It is a great honour for me.”
Captaining England was scrum-half Ben White, none other than Reffell’s housemate and Tigers teammate. In wearing the armband on Friday night, they became the first Leicester players to lead international sides against one another.
“I live with Ben, and fair play to him, he’s a good lad, there’s no nastiness about him,” Reffell says. “He captained really well, he took the game on his shoulders. It’s very good for him.”
Wales will benefit from the youngsters that have been blooded in these first two matches, with more experienced U20 campaigners away on regional duty.
With Ireland to come next weekend, Reffell is adamant his team won’t be dwelling on the England result. “You [have to] start to look at the next game, you get back into training,” says the 18-year-old. “We have Ireland at Donnybrook next Friday night which is another tough game.
“It’s all about coming together as a side and at times [like this] you come together even tighter to solve problems together.”
