England see off Italy to close in on U20 Grand Slam

Men’s Under-20 Six Nations

England (21) 33

Tries: Timmins, Burrow, Gulley, Hall, Bracken Cons: Bellamy 4

Italy (12) 24

England grabbed a bonus-point win over Italy to close in on winning a first Under-20 Six Nations Grand Slam since 2021.

Victory over Wales in Cardiff next Friday will secure the Grand Slam and back-to-back titles for Mark Mapletoft’s side.

A sensational over-the-head take from Malik Faissal grabbed Italy a surprise opening try at the Recreation Ground, which was cancelled out when flanker George Timmins went over.

Wing Faissal continued to star and evaded multiple defenders to score a superb second try, before the hosts seized control.

Captain Tom Burrow was on hand to score unopposed under the posts after an initial break from Saracens ‘ Angus Hall, with hooker Louie Gulley then scoring off the back of a powerful maul.

Italy were hammered 58-5 in round three by France, but showed considerable improvement as flanker Nelson Casartelli crossed for a well-deserved try.

However, a dropped ball from the resulting restart was punished as Hall barged over for England’s bonus-point try.

Alessandro Drago’s sharp finish ensured Italy picked up their own try bonus-point, but they were denied a losing bonus point as Jack Bracken scored England’s fifth and final try.

Mapletoft’s side won the title last season but failed to secure the Grand Slam because of a thrilling 32-32 draw with Ireland.

Replacements: Tuipulotu, McEachran, Maka, Beckerleg, Treacey, Davis, Davies, Kinder.

Italy: Fasti, Drago, Todaro, Ducros, Faissal, Celi, Bellotto, Pelliccioli, Corvasce, Vallesi, Midena, Opoku-Gyamfi, Bianchi, Casartelli, Milano (capt).