In what was the first competitive under 20s action since March 2020 it was Ireland who kicked off proceedings with a comprehensive 38-7 victory over Scotland. Richie Murphy’s side held a slender 14-7 lead at half-time but the game turned in their favour when Scotland openside Harri Morris was red carded for recklessly taking out Jamie Osborne in the air.
Tries from Alex Soroka, Alex Kendellen, Shane Jennings, Sam Illo, Jamie Osborne, and a penalty try was enough to see off Scotland. Arguably the game of the day was between England and France with the Red Rose bouncing back from a 19-3 half-time deficit to run out 38-22 winners.
England reacted in the second-half with two tries from Sam Riley and other scores from flanker Lucas Brooke, son of former New Zealand back-rower Zinzan, full-back Orlando Bailey and wing Arthur Relton. Fly-half Fin Smith added 13 points.
Ioan Cunningham’s Wales were also winners on the opening day with a convincing 25-8 win over Italy. The Azzurri proved problematic early on as they took an early lead when Ion Neculai touched down. But the Welsh pack took complete control thereafter claiming a penalty try, while Sam Costelow kicked 18 points.
Wales will face Ireland next Saturday, while England go up against Scotland, and France take on Italy, with all three test matches at the Arms Park.
