England blow big first half lead over Scotland

THE first day of the festival at Dragons’ training centre at Ystrad Mynach got off to an explosive start.

England scored three first half tries to race into a 15-0 lead over Scotland, but eventually found themselves beaten 32-27 after their early finishing skills deserted them.

Jack Blaine ran in two second half tries to inspire Scotland’s next generation of rugby stars to follow in the footsteps of their senior counterparts by beating England. Blaine rounded off a sensational Scottish comeback as he danced past five defenders to score his side’s fifth try.

Centre Robbie McCallum also scored and there was a brace for flying wing Femi Sofolarin. Outside half Dan Lancaster slotted two conversions and a penalty.

English tries came from Wasps hooker Alfie Barbeary, Northampton wing Ollie Sleightholme and Gloucester full-back Reece Dunn in the first half before Gloucester centre Jack Reeves ran in a second half brace. Dunn managed only one conversion.

The giant French side raced into a ten point lead against Wales within 13 minutes with a try to Eli Egliane and five points from the boot of Remi Brosset. Florent Vanverberghe’s try extended the lead to 17-0 but Wales battled their way back into the contest with tries from centres Osian Knott and Aneurin Owen.

Outside-half Sam Costello converted both tries to cut the gap to three points and set-up a rousing final ten minutes before No.8 Jordan Joseph went over to seal the 22-14 French win.

In the final match, Italy scored one of the tries of the day to wipe out an early penalty from Irish scrumhalf Nathan Doak.

That scintillating score came from left wing Albert Batista after fine work from Ratko Gelic and Paulo Garbisi. The Irish hit back with a close range try from lock Tom Ahern and then wing Andrew Smith sprinting to the posts for a 17-5 lead at the break.

Two tries in as many minutes from the centres Michael Mba and Matteo Moscardi brought the Italians level with 15 minutes to play but Doak kicked the winning penalty with a minute to go for 20-17.