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England and Wales players square up to each other in Cardiff - PA/Nigel French
Wales U20 23 England U20 13
England Under-20 had their Grand Slam dreams dashed by an inspired Wales performance as tempers frayed at a raucous Cardiff Arms Park.
Two mass shoving matches marked the end of a tenacious win for the hosts, who leant on relentless defence and a muscular maul to topple the world champions. Harry Thomas, the Wales hooker who amassed 20 tackles, was at the heart of a deserved victory.
Richard Whiffin’s team were also more clinical in attack, scoring twice either side of half-time through centre Steffan Emanuel and wing Harry Rees-Weldon. England, beset by handling mistakes and stunted at the breakdown, would suffer two yellow cards in the last 10 minutes as their challenge was snuffed out. Almost two hours earlier, it had begun hot.
Kepu Tuipulotu fumbled on his first rumble, but that only sparked a fast start for his team. England splintered Wales to force a scrum penalty and Nic Allison carried hard from the ensuing line-out.
Tuipulotu delivered an immense display and his second touch was sumputus, the teenager tearing around the breakdown and through two tackles before flipping a back-handed offload out of a third. Ralph Mceachran, the Sale Sharks loosehead prop, was on hand to finish a try carved out by the front-row heavies.
Tireless defence has been Wales’ calling card this campaign and they needed to repel incessant waves of white. Despite huge pressure from the visitors and a yellow card for Ospreys lock Dan Gemine, Kane James and then George Timmins spilled within inches of the try-line.
Eventually, on the back of a scrum penalty for the hosts, with Adian Boshoff chasing Sion Davies’ box-kick to down Jack Bracken, the impressive Deian Gwynne swooped for a jackal turnover that roused the Arms Park crowd. Harri Wilde cut the deficit to 7-3 from the tee.
Coen bagged two penalties, the second from his own chip to Angus Hall, yet Wilde replied again and Wales stayed in the scrap, Harry Beddall pouncing over roaming England wing George Kinder for another turnover just beyond the half-hour mark.
Emanuel speared through the defensive line, only for Pontypool-born Tuipulotu to deny Wales with another turnover. Emanuel was soon under the posts, though, the centre gathering Wilde’s deft chip to level the scores at 13-13.
Well beaten by Scotland a week previously, Wales promptly took the lead early in the second period, Rees-Weldon dotting down acrobatically at the corner. Wilde’s touchline conversion was superb and earned a 20-13 advantage. More phenomenal defence inside their own 22, finally causing a knock-on in the shadow of Wales’ posts, took the contest into the last 30 minutes.
England reshuffled their backline, with Josh Bellamy replacing George Pearson at full-back, yet Wales continued to frustrate them. Evan Minto’s exceptional tackle rocked James in midfield and the final quarter arrived with a flurry of errors. Had the electric Tom Bowen held onto an offload on the left flank wide, he might have sent the result beyond doubt.
As it happened, Wales still extended their lead to 23-13 with another Wilde penalty. England had 10 minutes to rescue themselves, but conceded two penalties for over-eager challenges in the air. The second saw Jack Bracken sin-binned.
Wales went to touch and mounted a big drive, but Rees-Weldon could not bring it under control. With two minutes remaining, and England again pressing to give themselves a lifeline, Junior Kpoku was penalised for a push that initiated the first of two skirmishes that involved around 20 players each.
Aiden Ainsworth-Cave also saw yellow and when Wilde punted into touch to seal Wales’ triumph, volume soared from a stadium packing in 8,124 supporters. No doubt thoughts were already turning to what the seniors might manage on Saturday, though this was a night for Wales’ outstanding Under-20s.
10:08 PM GMT
Telegraph Sport brings the rugby fans of Paris the good news
Not meaning to build my part up, but it was almost as if no one here in Paris knew that England had lost to Wales and that the French were on for the title. I marched around the stadium to find the announcer to inform him of the current situation, and he looked up on his phone to verify that England had lost in Cardiff, and then he announced it to the stadium to rapturous applause - there must be 16,000 here, the atmosphere unlike anything I’ve ever seen for an under-20s fixture. It has not quite been like a men’s senior Six Nations match but it has been almost like a top 14 match.
Someone should tell them they might have to lift a trophy…
10:06 PM GMT
Full time in Paris!
France have held out to win a hugely entertaining match against Scotland 45-40 and there goes England’s title and Grand Slam hopes.
09:42 PM GMT
England captain Tom Burrow talking post-match
09:40 PM GMT
The thoughts post-match of Wales captain Harry Beddall
09:38 PM GMT
Man of the match Harry Thomas
09:35 PM GMT
Latest scores
Wales U20 23-13 England U20 FT
Italy U20 15-12 Ireland U20 74’
France U20 38-30 Scotland U20 57’
As it stands France will be 2025 U20 Six Nations champions.
09:33 PM GMT
Full time
Wales belt the ball out of play and beat England 23-13, ending the visitors’ Grand Slam dreams. Unless France fall apart in the final 20 minutes of their match against Scotland, England’s Six Nations hopes will also be over.
09:31 PM GMT
80 mins: Wales U20 23 England U20 13
Another brawl breaks out and England know their Grand Slam and Six Nations hope are basically over. Ainsworth-Cave has been shown a yellow card and it is safe to say the referee has lost complete control of this match.
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Tensions boiling over - Nigel French/PA
09:30 PM GMT
79 mins: Wales U20 23 England U20 13
We are taking a while for a TMO check but if we are being honest there is not much in it. Just some pushing and shoving.
England had the penalty but the referee has decided to overturn it as he believes England started that brawl. Mind-boggling really. Quite staggering officiating.
09:27 PM GMT
78 mins: Wales U20 23 England U20 13
Wales concede multiple penalties but not a yellow card. Before play can resume though there is a mass brawl that breaks up. Tensions have been simmering and now they boil over.
09:26 PM GMT
77 mins: Wales U20 23 England U20 13
The officiating at times has been staggering this evening as the clock is allowed to tick by with the referee stopping play for no real reason.
England have a penalty advantage...
09:24 PM GMT
76 mins: Wales U20 23 England U20 13
Finally the TMO steps in and England have a penalty for a tackle off the ball on Burrow. England put it back into the corner...
09:23 PM GMT
76 mins: Wales U20 23 England U20 13
England use a sneaky lineout routine at the front and are deep into the Wales 22. Burrow was clearly taken out off the ball but for some odd reason the referee does not give a penalty.
Wales end up winning a scrum five metres out from their line but surely the TMO has to step in.
09:21 PM GMT
75 mins: Wales U20 23 England U20 13
England are given a penalty on the Wales 10-metre line and will kick into the Wales 22.
09:18 PM GMT
72 mins: Wales U20 23 England U20 13
Things are going from bad to worse for England as they are going to finish this game with 14 men as Bracken takes out Boshoff in the air. Not sure whether that was a yellow-card offence but he is sent to the sin bin.
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England will play the rest of the match with 14 men - Nigel French/PA
09:16 PM GMT
70 mins: Wales U20 23 England U20 13
Hall is penalised for taking Rees-Weldon out in the air but that feels like the wrong call. Both players went up fairly and the referee initially adjudged it as a fair contest but the touch judge changed his mind.
09:14 PM GMT
PENALTY WALES!
Wilde gets the kick and Wales now lead by 10 points with just over 10 minutes remaining.
09:13 PM GMT
68 mins: Wales U20 20 England U20 13
Wales are awarded a penalty as England are caught offside in their own half. The hosts point to the posts to try and extend their lead to 10...
09:11 PM GMT
67 mins: Wales U20 20 England U20 13
Chance for Wales. Wilde finds Rees-Weldon with a great pass on the right inside the England half. The latter then finds Bowen with a terrific back-of-the-hand offload but Bowen knocks on inside the England 22.
09:08 PM GMT
64 mins: Wales U20 20 England U20 13
Wales make good ground down the left towards the England 22 and Gwynne tries to find Bowen, who is back on after an HIA, with an offload. England get a hand to it and Bowen cannot gather the ball. Had he caught that he would likely have scored.
England make another change as Lilley comes on for Allison.
09:06 PM GMT
63 mins: Wales U20 20 England U20 13
England are making a change in the second row as Ainsworth-Cave replaces Sodeke, who is the latest to drop the ball forward for the visitors.
09:04 PM GMT
62 mins: Wales U20 20 England U20 13
The game is opening up and this will be a real test of fitness and stamina.
09:02 PM GMT
60 mins: Wales U20 20 England U20 13
After the first 20 minutes, I am not sure how many people would have thought Wales would have been leading at the 60-minute mark.
09:00 PM GMT
59 mins: Wales U20 20 England U20 13
France are leading by 11 points in their game against Scotland so England need to win to secure the Six Nations title.
Another mistake from England as Bracken drops a simple pass. Not sure how he dropped that one.
08:59 PM GMT
57 mins: Wales U20 20 England U20 13
England have made some poor errors tonight, the latest from Davis as he kicks straight into touch from just inside the England half. England head coach Mark Mapletoft will be wondering how this game has flipped on its head after a completely dominant opening 20 minutes from the visitors.
08:57 PM GMT
56 mins: Wales U20 20 England U20 13
England are making a change in the backs as Bellamy replaces Pearson.
08:55 PM GMT
54 mins: Wales U20 20 England U20 13
Wales are awarded a scrum not far outside the England 22 as the visitors take too long to get it out of the ruck but England respond by dominating the scrum and winning a penalty.
08:52 PM GMT
51 mins: Wales U20 20 England U20 13
England work it down the left and are approaching the Wales 22 but the move is ended when Hall drops a pass from replacement Treacey.
08:51 PM GMT
49 mins: Wales U20 20 England U20 13
Wales are being forced into an HIA change in the backline as Bowen is heading off, replaced by Woods.
08:48 PM GMT
48 mins: Wales U20 20 England U20 13
England are just a metre or so from the line but the referee gives a knock-on along the ground. Looking at the replays it looked like it went forward off a boot so a questionable call there.
As it stands, with France winning currently with a bonus point, England would be overtaken by the French on this final night of the 2025 U20 Six Nations.
08:46 PM GMT
46 mins: Wales U20 20 England U20 13
England are getting closer to the Wales line and are now just five metres out...
08:44 PM GMT
45 mins: Wales U20 20 England U20 13
Wales go off their feet inside the England half and the visitors will be able to kick towards the Welsh 22.
England make a double change as Treacey and Davis are on for Timmins and Hanson.
08:40 PM GMT
TRY! Rees-Weldon gives Wales the lead
The hosts are over in the corner but will it stand? Wilde sends a great flat pass out towards the right wing on the edge of the England 22 into the hands of Bowen, who offloads outside to Rees-Weldon. He evades one tackle and dives acrobatically into the corner. Despite Hall’s best efforts, Rees-Weldon dots down just before he went into touch so the try stands. Wilde nails a brilliant touchline conversion and Wales now lead by seven points. How this game has changed.
08:40 PM GMT
41 mins: Wales U20 13 England U20 13
Early mistake from England. Hanson’s box-kick goes straight into touch and, as England had taken it back into their 22, Wales have the lineout on the England 22.
08:38 PM GMT
Second half
We are back under way with the scores level at 13 apiece. No changes at the break for either side.
08:36 PM GMT
Latest scores
Wales U20 13-13 England U20 HT
Italy U20 15-0 Ireland U20 HT
France U20 14-7 Scotland U20 17’
As it stands England will be U20 Six Nations champions.
08:35 PM GMT
Wales’ try to bring the scores level
08:32 PM GMT
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08:28 PM GMT
England’s first-half try
08:23 PM GMT
Half time
Wales get the ball out of the scrum in a hurry and kick the ball out to bring up half time. Somehow, despite England’s complete dominance for the first 20 minutes, it is level at 13-13 at the break.
08:21 PM GMT
39 mins: Wales U20 13 England U20 13
Wales force the mistake from England and another visit into the Wales 22 does not yield any points.
08:20 PM GMT
38 mins: Wales U20 13 England U20 13
England are just metres away and Kinder looks like he will be in for the try in the left corner but somehow is stopped. England keep hold of possession and are still close to the Welsh line...
08:19 PM GMT
37 mins: Wales U20 13 England U20 13
Wales are caught offside just inside their half and England will kick into the Wales 22.
08:17 PM GMT
TRY! Emanuel scores to bring Wales level
England were destroying Wales for the first 20 minutes but with five minutes left in the first half Wales are level. Wilde lifts a chip kick over the England defensive line. It bounces up beautifully for Emanuel to run onto on the England 10-metre line and he runs through to score. Wilde has the easiest of conversions and we are all square in Cardiff.
08:14 PM GMT
33 mins: Wales U20 6 England U20 13
Emanuel runs a great line off a Welsh lineout inside the England half and the hosts have possession inside the England 22 but Tuipulotu steps up with a crucial intervention for the visitors and wins his side a penalty at the breakdown.
08:11 PM GMT
PENALTY WALES!
The easiest of three points for Wilde and England’s advantage is cut to seven points.
08:10 PM GMT
29 mins: Wales U20 3 England U20 13
Burrow gets up and disrupts the Welsh lineout but knocks on. Wales are still in possession five metres out.
They are then awarded a penalty with England not rolling away.
Wales take the pragmatic decision and point to the posts.
08:08 PM GMT
28 mins: Wales U20 3 England U20 13
England have the ball just outside their own 22 but Wales disrupt the ruck as they end up winning a penalty. Wales turn down the chance at three points and kick to the corner. It is a great kick and a five-metre lineout is coming up.
08:05 PM GMT
PENALTY ENGLAND!
Coen nails the kick and England lead by 10 points.
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England looking to wrap up the Grand Slam - Nigel French/PA
08:02 PM GMT
24 mins: Wales U20 3 England U20 10
England break all the way from their own 22 after a clever chip ahead which is caught by Hall, who races forward into the Welsh half.
England move towards the Welsh 22 but the hosts take possession. Moments later England steal it back but knock on just on the edge of the Wales 22.
The TMO has actually stepped in to give England a penalty as Wales hooker Thomas pushed Timmins off the ball at a breakdown during that phase of play. England point to the posts...
08:01 PM GMT
23 mins: Wales U20 3 England U20 10
Wales are now back up to their full compliment of 15 with Gemine coming back on after his yellow card.
08:00 PM GMT
PENALTY ENGLAND!
Coen lands the three and restores England’s seven-point lead.
07:59 PM GMT
21 mins: Wales U20 3 England U20 7
After being fortunate not dealing with the kick-off particularly well, Wales’ throw at the lineout inside their own 22 is not straight and England have the scrum.
The visitors win yet another penalty at the scrum and surely the Welsh props cannot be far away from being sent to the bin.
England have gone to the corner with most of their penalties but, after wasting multiple opportunities so far, they point to the posts...
07:57 PM GMT
PENALTY WALES!
Wilde’s kick clips the inside of the left post and goes over to get Wales on the board. They now trail by just four points despite being completely dominated so far. Wales will take that.
07:56 PM GMT
18 mins: Wales U20 0 England U20 7
Gwynne does brilliantly at the breakdown to win Wales a penalty on the England 10-metre line. With a man in the sin bin, Wales are going to run down time by kicking for goal...
07:52 PM GMT
16 mins: Wales U20 0 England U20 7
James picks from the base of the scrum and is brought down just a few metres shy. Timmins then tries to stretch for the line but for the second time in a few minutes England knock on just shy of the line. Perhaps a little impatience from England but Wales face another scrum.
The pressure is off though as Wales are awarded a penalty at the scrum.
07:50 PM GMT
14 mins: Wales U20 0 England U20 7
England’s scrum absolutely mauls Wales again and they win the penalty five metres out from the line. McEachran, Tuipulotu and Raymont are having a field day.
England unsurprisingly opt to scrum again.
07:49 PM GMT
13 mins: Wales U20 0 England U20 7
England think they have their second try but was it knocked on? We go for a TMO review and James knocked it on just inches before the try line. England will be wondering how on earth they have only scored one try so far.
The pressure is not off Wales though as England are dominating the scrum and Wales are down a forward in the sin bin.
07:47 PM GMT
12 mins: Wales U20 0 England U20 7
The referee has lost his patience and, with the awarding of another penalty to England, goes to his cards and it is Gemine who is sent to the bin for not rolling away quickly enough. England turn the down the opportunity of three points and kick into the corner.
07:44 PM GMT
11 mins: Wales U20 0 England U20 7
England win the lineout but spill the ball and the chance is gone. England will be frustrated that they came away from that period of pressure inside the Welsh 22 without a point.
07:43 PM GMT
10 mins: Wales U20 0 England U20 7
England have two penalty advantages deep inside the Wales 22 but knock the ball on so we go back for the penalty. The home side are now on a warning and the next penalty will result in a yellow card.
Into the corner they go once more...
07:41 PM GMT
8 mins: Wales U20 0 England U20 7
England are just five metres out and are awarded another penalty as Wales are punished for not releasing. The hosts thought they might be awarded a penalty but it goes the other way.
England go back to the corner.
07:40 PM GMT
7 mins: Wales U20 0 England U20 7
England force a knock-on just outside the Welsh 22, giving them the scrum in a good attacking position. Considering how the first scrum went, England will fancy winning themselves a penalty here.
England do indeed win the penalty at the scrum once again and will kick to the corner.
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Sublime Tuipulotu offload for England’s try - Ryan Hiscott/Getty Images
07:35 PM GMT
TRY! McEachran gets England going after sublime Tuipulotu offload
Exactly the start England wanted. Tuipulotu runs a good line inside the Wales 22 and breaks a couple of tackles. He executes a sublime offload out of the back of the hand to his front-row pal McEachran, who cannot be stopped from going over under the posts. A great start from Tuipulotu and McEachran. Coen gets the easiest of conversions and England lead by seven early on.
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England on the board early - Nigel French/PA
07:35 PM GMT
2 mins: Wales U20 0 England U20 0
A knock-on from Tuipulotu, who has chosen England over Wales, results in the first scrum of the night on halfway. As you can probably predict we have a reset to begin with.
England dominate at the first scrum and win a penalty against the head. The Sale Sharks prop duo of McEachran and Raymont bully the Welsh props and win the visitors the penalty.
England kick to the Wales 22.
07:32 PM GMT
Kick-off
We are under way in Cardiff. Will England complete the Grand Slam or can Wales ruin those hopes?
07:25 PM GMT
Anthem time
Both sides emerge from the tunnel and it is time for the national anthems. “God Save The King” followed by “Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau”.
07:23 PM GMT
Reminder of the teams
Wales starting XV: 15 Tom Bowen (Cardiff Rugby), 14 Harry Rees-Weldon (Dragons). 13 Osian Roberts (Sale Sharks), 12 Steffan Emanuel (Cardiff Rugby), 11 Aidan Boshoff (Bristol Bears), 10 Harri Wilde (Cardiff Rugby), 9 Sion Davies (Cardiff Rugby), 1 Ioan Emanuel (Bath Rugby), 2 Harry Thomas (Scarlets), 3 Sam Scott (Bristol Bears), 4 Kenzie Jenkins (Bristol Bears), 5 Dan Gemine (Ospreys), 6 Deian Gwynne (Gloucester), 7 Harry Beddall (Leicester Tigers) (c), 8 Evan Minto (Dragons).
Replacements: 16 Evan Wood (Cardiff Met), 17 Louie Trevett (Bristol Bears), 18 Owain James (Dragons), 19 Luke Evans (Exeter Chiefs), 20 Caio James (Gloucester), 21 Carwyn Edwards (Cardiff Met), 22 Elis Price (Scarlets), 23 Jack Woods (Bath Rugby).
England starting XV: 15. George Pearson (Leicester Tigers, 2 caps), 14. Jack Bracken (Saracens, 9 caps), 13. Angus Hall (Saracens, 10 caps), 12. Nic Allison (Exeter Chiefs, 3 caps), 11. Jack Kinder (Leicester Tigers, 3 caps), 10. Ben Coen (Exeter Chiefs, 8 caps), 9. Dom Hanson (Sale Sharks, 2 caps), 1. Ralph McEachran (Sale Sharks, 4 caps), 2. Kepu Tuipulotu (Bath Rugby, 4 caps), 3. Tye Raymont (Sale Sharks, 4 caps), 4. Olamide Sodeke (Saracens, 15 caps), 5. Tom Burrow (capt) (Sale Sharks, 4 caps), 6. Junior Kpoku (Racing 92, 14 caps), 7. George Timmins (Bath Rugby, 6 caps), 8. Kane James (Exeter Chiefs, 13 caps).
Replacements: 16. Louie Gulley (Exeter Chiefs, 4 caps), 17. Oliver Scola (Northampton Saints, 4 caps), 18. Tubuna Maka (Leicester Tigers, 1 cap), 19. Aiden Ainsworth-Cave (Northampton Saints, 3 caps), 20. Connor Treacey (Bath Rugby, 2 caps), 21. Joe Davis (Newcastle Falcons, 1 cap), 22. Josh Bellamy (Harlequins, 14 caps), 23. Nick Lilley (Exeter Chiefs, 3 caps).
07:17 PM GMT
BBC will no longer show England Six Nations games as new free-to-air deal agreed
Our chief rugby union correspondent Gavin Mairs has all the details.
07:14 PM GMT
Got a question for James Haskell and Mike Tindall?
Ask it here and come back on Monday lunchtime for the answer.
07:09 PM GMT
England U20 captain Tom Burrow speaking ahead of the game
07:05 PM GMT
Wales results so far
Round one- France 63-19 Wales
Round two- Italy 18-20 Wales
Round three- Wales 20-12 Ireland
Round four- Scotland 27-12 Wales
07:01 PM GMT
England results so far
Round one- Ireland 3-19 England
Round two- England 27-10 France
Round three- England 57-13 Scotland
Round four- England 33-24 Italy
06:58 PM GMT
Hosts arriving
06:54 PM GMT
Visitors arriving for business
06:51 PM GMT
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06:47 PM GMT
Table going into the final round
- England U20- 18 points
- France U20- 15 points
- Wales U20- 8 points
- Italy U20- 6 points
- Ireland U20- 5 points
- Scotland U20- 5 points
06:43 PM GMT
Tonight’s final round fixtures
Wales U20 vs England U20 7.30pm
Italy U20 vs Ireland U20 7.45pm
France U20 vs Scotland U20 8.15pm
06:38 PM GMT
Team news
Wales have made four changes to their starting XV. Dan Gemine, Osian Roberts, Sion Davies and Harri Wilde come into the starting XV. Tom Cottle and Logan Franklin are suspended whilst Harri Ford has an ankle injury.
Wales starting XV: 15 Tom Bowen (Cardiff Rugby), 14 Harry Rees-Weldon (Dragons). 13 Osian Roberts (Sale Sharks), 12 Steffan Emanuel (Cardiff Rugby), 11 Aidan Boshoff (Bristol Bears), 10 Harri Wilde (Cardiff Rugby), 9 Sion Davies (Cardiff Rugby), 1 Ioan Emanuel (Bath Rugby), 2 Harry Thomas (Scarlets), 3 Sam Scott (Bristol Bears), 4 Kenzie Jenkins (Bristol Bears), 5 Dan Gemine (Ospreys), 6 Deian Gwynne (Gloucester), 7 Harry Beddall (Leicester Tigers) (c), 8 Evan Minto (Dragons).
Replacements:16 Evan Wood (Cardiff Met), 17 Louie Trevett (Bristol Bears), 18 Owain James (Dragons), 19 Luke Evans (Exeter Chiefs), 20 Caio James (Gloucester), 21 Carwyn Edwards (Cardiff Met), 22 Elis Price (Scarlets), 23 Jack Woods (Bath Rugby).
Ralph McEachran and Kepu Tuipulotu come into the England starting XV in the front-row, coming in for Oliver Scola and Louie Gulley. Fly-half Ben Coen is recalled, replacing Josh Bellamy at 10.
England starting XV: 15. George Pearson (Leicester Tigers, 2 caps), 14. Jack Bracken (Saracens, 9 caps), 13. Angus Hall (Saracens, 10 caps), 12. Nic Allison (Exeter Chiefs, 3 caps), 11. Jack Kinder (Leicester Tigers, 3 caps), 10. Ben Coen (Exeter Chiefs, 8 caps), 9. Dom Hanson (Sale Sharks, 2 caps), 1. Ralph McEachran (Sale Sharks, 4 caps), 2. Kepu Tuipulotu (Bath Rugby, 4 caps), 3. Tye Raymont (Sale Sharks, 4 caps), 4. Olamide Sodeke (Saracens, 15 caps), 5. Tom Burrow (capt) (Sale Sharks, 4 caps), 6. Junior Kpoku (Racing 92, 14 caps), 7. George Timmins (Bath Rugby, 6 caps), 8. Kane James (Exeter Chiefs, 13 caps).
Replacements: 16. Louie Gulley (Exeter Chiefs, 4 caps), 17. Oliver Scola (Northampton Saints, 4 caps), 18. Tubuna Maka (Leicester Tigers, 1 cap), 19. Aiden Ainsworth-Cave (Northampton Saints, 3 caps), 20. Connor Treacey (Bath Rugby, 2 caps), 21. Joe Davis (Newcastle Falcons, 1 cap), 22. Josh Bellamy (Harlequins, 14 caps), 23. Nick Lilley (Exeter Chiefs, 3 caps).
06:31 PM GMT
Going for the Grand Slam
England U20’s head to Cardiff Arms Park to take on Wales hoping to seal the 2025 U20 Six Nations title. Having won four from four so far, England can secure the Grand Slam tonight and back-to-back titles with a win in Cardiff. England, who are chasing their first U20 Grand Slam since 2021, opened their campaign with a 3-19 victory in Ireland before beating France 27-10 at home in round two. They have followed that up with a comprehensive 57-13 win over Scotland at home and a 33-24 home victory against Italy to set up this opportunity for the Grand Slam. Going into the final round, they are three points clear of France, who host Scotland later this evening. England head coach Mark Mapletoft has been delighted to see the progression of his side over the last couple of months.
“We are grateful for the efforts of those involved within the pathway that have been essential in contributing to our strong standing heading into Friday’s [tonight’s] game. Our players have taken the opportunities presented to them, overcoming difficult tests week-on-week, and have impressed as a brotherhood.
“The team have been on a journey over the past two months, and the progression has been very pleasing. That said, there is so much to play for and our squad have prepared diligently to amplify their strengths and take that final step forwards in Cardiff, whatever it takes. The staff and I want the players to give their all and exceed the expectations of the occasion that lies ahead of us this week.”
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Can England wrap up the Grand Slam with victory in Wales tonight? - David Davies/PA
Wales’ campaign meanwhile got off to the worst possible start, suffering a heavy 63-19 defeat in France before bouncing back with a narrow 18-20 win in Italy. They beat Ireland 20-12 at home in round three but lost 27-12 in Scotland last time out. They are third in the table going into the final round and their head coach Richard Whiffin knows his side will have to be at the top of their game to topple Grand Slam-chasing England.
“We are focusing on ourselves this week. England have performed very well during the tournament – they are current world champions as well, so it is going to be a hell of a game,” said Whiffin.
“We had such a good performance last time out against Ireland at Rodney Parade at home and we are hoping for the same intent and endeavour against what will be a really good England team. The boys have worked so hard for this period, it is a tough tournament, every game is tough, lots of tight turnarounds, lots of travel but for us to finish at home in front of a home crowd I think it would be a really nice send off for the boys to finish the tournament well with a really good performance and hopefully a victory.”
Kick-off in Cardiff is at 7.30pm.
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