Ibitoye stars as England maintain their perfect record
ANOTHER bonus point victory set Steve Bates’ side up for a semi-final with South Africa after a 35-10 triumph over Scotland on Thursday.
England led 17-10 at the break through tries from Gabriel Ibitoye, Beck Cutting and James Scott while Tom Hardwick kicked one conversion.
Scotland responded with a penalty from Ross Thompson, as well as a converted try via Kyle Rowe just before the break.
But second-half scores for Ibitoye, Joel Kpoku, Matt Williams as well as a penalty secured the win that got revenge for their Six Nations defeat.
Steve Bates’ side had already been confirmed as winners of Pool B following two bonus-point victories over Argentina and Italy, sealing their place in the last four of the tournament with a game to spare.
Bates said: “We’ve steadily improved over the course of the three games and today’s match was a further indicator of that.
“Credit to the players for putting together another good performance and for achieving a third bonuspoint victory and sealing top spot. I’m not sure we’re at our full potential so we’ve got to raise it again for the semi-final.”
Ibitoye flew over in the corner after showing great power and pace to dot down for his second tournament try which Hardwick converted inside five minutes.
Thompson missed a penalty soon after but reduced the deficit to 7-3 for a later infringement.
England had a second try, hooker Cutting barging over off the back of a driving maul, following a penalty to the corner.
Scott rolled over after England showed patience going through the phases before the lock forward went over for a third try.
James Grayson was yellow carded for a high tackle as England were reduced to 14 men with 15 minutes of the half remaining.
Scotland had their first try of the game with Rowe getting to Thompson’s kick behind the England defence which was also converted for 17-10 at the break.
Ibitoye scored a superb second-half individual try in the corner, powering through three tackles before showing fine agility to touch down by the corner flag.
Hardwick landed a penalty just before the hour mark and with 10 minutes remaining Scotland were reduced to 14 men with Devante Onojaife sin binned for a high tackle.
England capitalised as Kpoku crashed over from close range before replacement Williams scored England’s sixth, sealing the win.