England see off Italy to close in on U20 Grand Slam
Men's Under-20 Six NationsEngland (21) 33Tries: Timmins, Burrow, Gulley, Hall, Bracken Cons: Bellamy 4Italy (12) 24Tries: Faissal 2, Casartelli, Drago Cons: Fasti, Todaro
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.
Line-ups
England: Pearson; Bracken, Hall, Allison, Ridl; Bellamy, Hanson; Scola, Gulley, Raymont, Sodeke, Burrow (capt), Kpoku, Kpoku, James.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).Replacements: Casiraghi, Boccato, Bolognini, Melegari, Fardin, Redondi, Beni, Zanandrea.
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