Wales Under-20s have shown their team spirit in making it three from three according to flanker Tom Phillips after their win over France Under-20s in Colwyn Bay.
Wales Under-20s 16-10 France Under-20s
George Gasson scored the crucial try in the 16-10 victory against a 14-man France team after Gabriel Ngandebe’s red card.
France had the better of the first half but couldn’t turn territory and possession into points, with two Billy McBryde penalties giving Wales a 6-0 lead.
An Alex Arrate try, converted by Anthony Belleau – who had an off-night with the boot, put France back in front.
But after Ngandebe picked up a second yellow card, Gasson finished off a fine counter-attacking score and Wales saw out the win.
Phillips said: “It’s a great feeling. The boys are over the moon. We knew it was going to be a tough game and it was.
“There’s a real togetherness in the team and a lot of grit being shown in the performances and we’re coming up with the wins.
“We know we’ve got a good team spirit. There are forced changes due to the regions but the boys who’ve stepped in have been just as close and up to scratch on the moves.
“We definitely feel we are in a good place. Three out of three, we’ve created a good platform. We’ll keep going the way we’re going and work on the first 20 minutes.”
England Under-20s 20-26 Ireland Under-20s
Meanwhile defending champions England Under-20s saw their title hopes effectively ended by Ireland Under-20s at Kingston Park.
A strong start saw the English lead 20-6 early in the second half, with tries from Sam Smith and George Perkins.
However Ireland fought back with scores from James Ryan and Matthew Byrne before Andrew Porter’s try gave them a 26-20 win.
And while the loss leaves England needing results to go their way elsewhere to stand any chance of retaining their crown, Callard wants the team to finish strongly with two games left against Wales and France.
“The next two games mean everything,” said Callard. “This age group has been very successful over the last five years and we need to step up, there is a lot of pride.
“We will need to come prepared against a very good Welsh side in two weeks. Those final two games mean a lot for the players’ futures and we will keep building as a group.”
Italy Under-20s 14-24 Scotland Under-20s
Elsewhere on Saturday Scotland Under-20s picked up a second win of the Championship as they saw off Italy Under-20s 24-14.
It was the home side who lead early in Padua when Luca Sperandio went over after just five minutes but Scotland hit back through a Rory Hutchinson penalty followed by a Darcy Graham breakaway try.
Murray McCallum’s third try of the Championship made it 17-7 at the break, and although Italy fought back with a penalty try, Ally Miller’s score sealed the win to put Scotland third in the table, level on points with next opponents France. Click here for the complete 2016 Under-20s Six Nations fixture list
