England thrash Scotland to keep up U20 Grand Slam bid

Men’s Under-20 Six Nations

England (31) 57

Tries: Ridl, Tuipulotu 2, James, Raymont, Burrow, Bracken, Pearson, Hall Cons: Coen 4, Bellamy 2

Scotland (8) 13

By hammering Scotland in Newcastle, England stepped one step closer to a Six Nations Under-20 Grand Slam.

Scotland responded quickly when Fergus Watson dotted down from a precise cross-field kick when Exeter Chiefs wing Campbell Ridl slipped through for the opening try.

England, however, won the opener for the rest of the match thanks to Kepu Tuipulotu’s double, with Kane James, 8, and Tye Raymont, 8, both scoring.

Captain Tom Burrow, George Pearson, Jack Bracken and Angus Hall all scored in a dominant second-half display.

After being defeated by Italy and Ireland, Flanker Oliver Duncan cut a sharp line to score yet another try for the visitors.

Hooker Tuipulotu made for a stellar performance throughout, making James’ try a highlight with his barnstorming run and grubby kick.

After defeating France and Ireland in their opening two games, Mark Mapletoft’s team is still in a strong position to capture the Grand Slam for the first time since 2021.

Due to a thrilling 32-32 draw with Ireland, England won the title last year but was unable to claim the Grand Slam.

Replacements: Gulley, Scola, Sela, Ainsworth-Cave, Treacey, Weimann, Bellamy, Offiah.

Scotland: Brown, Moncrieff, Ventisei (capt), Yule, Watson, Urwin, Cowan, Shearer, Stephen, Blyth-Lafferty, Godsell, Halkon, Duncan, Douglas, Logan.