England U20s remain unbeaten with victory over Scotland

Men’s Under-20 Six Nations

Scotland (17) 17

Tries: Stewart, McHaffie, McArthur Con: McArthur

England (19) 33

England produced a dominant second-half performance to defeat Scotland and continue their winning start to the Under-20 Six Nations.

The visitors raced into a 12-point lead through tries by Finn Keylock and Jimmy Staples.

However, Scotland fought back as scores by Hamish McArthur and Rory McHaffie helped level the game.

Captain Connor Treacey then powered over to regain England’s lead, before prop Jamie Stewart responded in an entertaining opening half.

But like last week’s comeback from 16 points down against Wales, Andy Titterrell’s side did not concede a score in the second half.

Full-back James Pater sliced open the hosts’ defence to create and then finish a wonderful try.

The 18-year-old, who has already played for Northampton Saints in the Prem, looked dangerous in attack throughout and was named player of the match.

“It was a game of two halves as we struggled to get out of our own half cleanly in the first half,” Pater told BBC Sport.

“Consistency is key and we will not get ahead of ourselves.”

Scrum-half Lucas Friday, who is a regular for his club side Harlequins, set up the first try and was another standout performer.

Replacement Will Knight crossed for the final score as Scotland struggled to build on a strong first half.

Next Friday, England host Ireland in Bath (19:45 GMT), while Scotland, who impressed in a win over Italy in round one, travel to Wales (19:15 GMT).

Scotland Under-20s: Widdowson; Moncrieff, Waugh, Wolfenden, McHaffie; Dalziel, MacArthur; Stewart, Roberts, Blyth-Lafferty, Lindsay, Blackett, Byrd, Utterson, Purvis.

Replacements: McAughtrie, McKenna, Rennie, Ronnie, Preston, Finlayson-Russell, McKenzie, Jessop.

England Under-20s: Pater; Winters, Lilley, Worsnip, Pearson; Keylock, Friday; Scola, Staples, Tonga’uiha, Williams, Hogg, Ainsworth-Cave, Kelly, Treacey (capt).

Replacements: Freeman-Price, Spencer, Wright, Ogden-Metherell, Marsh, Stewart-Harris, Knight, Offiah.