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England Under-20s change four to face Wales

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England Under-20s are looking for a response as they take on Wales with coach Alan Dickens making four changes for the game at Kingsholm.

England Under-20s are looking for a response as they take on Wales with coach Alan Dickens making four changes for the game at Kingsholm.

England fell to their first defeat of the campaign at home to Ireland last time out, and now must win to have any chance of winning the Under-20s Six Nations crown.

And Dickens has made four changes to his side, with three coming in the back as props Emmanuel Iyogun and Cal Ford come in, while Rob Farrar gets the nod in the back row.

The other change sees Max Ojomoh return in the centres, where he will be paired up with Connor Doherty who captains the side.

Dickens said: “We were frustrated with the defeat to Ireland in round three, but it’s a learning experience for the players and that is a focus for us. We have to learn the lessons and respond against Wales, who will no doubt also be tough opponents.

“For me, Kingsholm was one of the best places to come and play and we’re looking forward to being back on home soil in front of knowledgeable fans who will no doubt be vociferous in their support, which makes a huge difference to the players.

“We have several players involved in the Premiership this weekend and that is great experience for them, but in turn gives others in our squad an opportunity to show how good they are.

“We’ve named Connor as captain this week as we want to grow the leadership group which we know will be useful heading into the World Rugby U20 Championship in July.

“He is well respected in the group, experienced at this level and one of those players who will lead by example.

“My message to the squad will be to enjoy the experience, learn the lessons from Ireland and put a performance in that they are proud of and that reflects how hard they have worked this week.”

England men U20s side to face Wales

15. Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers) 14. Gabriel Hamer-Webb (Bath Rugby) 13. Connor Doherty (Sale Sharks) (c) 12. Max Ojomoh (Bath Rugby) 11. Tom Roebuck (Sale Sharks) 10. George Barton (Gloucester Rugby) 9. Sam Maunder (Exeter Chiefs)

1. Emmanuel Iyogun (Northampton Saints) 2. Theo Dan (Saracens) 3. Cal Ford (Sale Sharks) 4. Hugh Tizard (Harlequins) 5. George Hammond (Harlequins) 6. Rob Farrar (Newcastle Falcons) 7. Richard Capstick (Exeter Chiefs) 8. Rusiate Tuima (Exeter Chiefs)

Replacements:

16. Sam Riley (Harlequins) 17. Sam Crean (Saracens) 18. Harvey Beaton (Saracens) 19. Alex Groves (Bristol Bears) 20. Jack Clement (Gloucester) 21. Jack Van Poortvliet (Leicester Tigers) 22. Will Haydon-Wood (Newcastle Falcons) 23. Josh Gillespie (Northampton Saints)