Olowofela’s early double sets England on their way
England U20s .... 39pts
Tries: Olowofela 7, 36: Walker 16, 45, Smith 79 Conversions: Grayson 8, 17, 46; Smith 80 Penalties: Grayson 42, Hardwick 63
Argentina U20s.. 18pts
Tries: Chocobares 5, Pedemonte 25 Conversions: Daireaux 6 Penalties: Mendía 10, Daireaux 61
ENGLAND U20s made a winning start to their World Championship campaign when they sealed a bonuspoint victory over Argentina in Narbonne on Wednesday.
England led 19-15 at halftime through two Jordan Olowofela tries, one from Henry Walker and two James Grayson conversions. Second-half converted tries from Walker and Marcus Smith, plus a Tom Hardwick penalty helped seal victory.
England play Italy today in Perpignan before ending their Pool fixtures against Scotland in Beziers.
Head coach Steve Bates said: “There were some really good bits in there, we scored some good tries, we scrummaged well, we got the ball from the lineout and scrum regularly, so all in all that’s not a bad start to the tournament.
“There is plenty for us to work on but that’s a tough physical start and I think it is really important in this competition that you’re not chasing points all the time. Winning the first game is massive.”
Argentina scored the first points of the game, latching onto a spilled ball in midfield, giving Santiago Chocobares a clear run to the posts with Juan Bautista Daireaux sending over the extras.
England were straight back in the game, as Olowofela, who played in all five games during the 2018 U20 Six Nations, wriggled over and Grayson converted.
Daireaux kicked a penalty for 10-7 but Walker bundled over off the back of a collapsed maul for a second converted England try.
Gabriel Ibitoye was introduced midway through the half for Ali Crossdale and soon after Argentina had a second try with Bautista Pedemonte barrelling his way to the line from 5m out for 15-14.
A powerful maul and neat hands from England’s three-quarters put Olowofela in space for a second try and a 19-15 halftime lead.
A Grayson penalty shortly after the break stretched the advantage and minutes later Walker charged over for a second try and the bonus point score.
Joaquín de la Vega Mendía’s penalty reduced the deficit to 11 points before Hardwick’s longrange effort restored the lead to 14.
A late Argentine yellow card was capitalised on as Olowofela, whose twin brother is representing England 7s at Twickenham this weekend, surged deep into Argentina territory before lifting an offload into the path of replacement Smith – who duly finished off the scoring for England.