England look to complete the clean sweep

JOHN Fletcher’s England U18s take on Scotland today looking to end the international series in Wales unbeaten.

John Fletcher’s side started their campaign last Sunday with a comprehensive 55-11 win over Canada U19s and they were just as impressive on Wednesday claiming a hard-fought 39-20 success against Ireland at Parc y Scarlets.

There were tries for Charlie Wright, Tom Hardwick and Marcus Smith as England finished the first half strongest to take a 1910 lead at the break.

Sale Sharks’ Arron Reed scored early in the second half to extend England’s lead before Ireland quickly hit back with a try of their own through Jonathan Wren to add to Martin Moloney’s first half score.

However, Reed grabbed his second of the game before a fantastic individual try from Harlequins wing Cadan Murley which capped off a fine team performance.

“We got what we deserved against Ireland and it’s important we recognise the areas that have gone well and also look at how we can improve against Scotland,” said England U18 head coach Fletcher.

“We scored some great tries and created a number of opportunities on the attack which is really pleasing.

“However, I think what excited us most was how strong we were defensively against a good Ireland side who are known for their physicality.”

It has also been a successful week so far for Wales who backed up their opening win over Scotland with a 50-14 thumping of Canada.

If they can take from England’s play book against Ireland, they too will end the series with three wins in three games.

Christoph Stangl put Canada on the board early but tries from Llew Smith, Tomi Lewis, Tom Hoppe and James McCarthy gave the hosts a 24-14 lead despite a second score from Canada.

In the second-half Ioan Davies grabbed a brace, Hoppe his second and Harri Morgan concluded the scoring late on.