Rob Hunter lists England’s Under-20 side for IRB 2011 JWC match against Ireland
England national rugby union’s Under-20s team coach, Rob Hunter, has announced the match 22 for their International Rugby Board (IRB) 2011 Junior World Championship (JWC) match against Ireland’s Under-20 side on Friday, June 10.
Hunter has named the same squad that defeated Ireland’s Under-20 side in March to lift the RBS 2011 Under-20s Six Nations title. England will kick-start their JWC campaign against the Ireland at Stadio Comunale di Monigo, Treviso.
The squad announced includes the Bath Rugby fly half Chris Cook in the starting XV while the Saracens Owen Farrell will start the match from the bench. Farrell was part of the Sarrries outfit, which lifted the 2010/11 Aviva Premiership title.
Falcons’ star number eight Alex Gray will lead to the Irish side, which are strengthened by the return of some of their key players. Newcastle Falcons No. 8 Alex Gray will skipper the side, while Aviva Premiership winner Owen Farrell starts as a replacement.
Commenting on the Irish team’s chances in the match, Hunter said, “They were missing a few players last time we played them and they'll be back now. It's a different game, it's a different environment and different things are at stake.”
Hunter further added, “We've got to focus on ourselves and our own game, we'll give them the upmost respect but ultimately it's about us and how we play on the day.”
Additionally, Hunter has handed over a chance to Sam Twomey and Marland Yarde to win their first England Under-20s cap if they are able to take the field from the bench during the match. Twomey plays at lock for the Harlequins, while Yarde plays at the winger
position for London Irish.
England is placed in Pool C besides Ireland, South Africa and Scotland. England will play their second match against Scotland at the same venue on June 14 and contest their last pool match against South Africa on June 18, at Stadio Plebiscito, Padova.
The announced England match 22 for the Ireland encounter includes:
Starting XV: 15 Ben Ransom Saracens, 14 Andy Short Worcester Warriors, 13 Elliot Daly London Wasps, 12 Ryan Mills Gloucester Rugby, 11 Jonathan Joseph London Irish, 10 George Ford Leicester Tigers, 9 Chris Cook Bath Rugby, 8 Alex Gray (C)
Newcastle Falcons, 7 Matt Everard Leicester Tigers, 6 Matt Kvesic Worcester Warriors, 5 Charlie Matthews Harlequins, 4 Joe Launchbury London Wasps, 3 Henry Thomas Sale Sharks, 2 Mike Haywood Northampton Saints, 1 Mako Vunipola Bristol Rugby
Replacements:16 Rob Buchanan Harlequins, 17 Ryan Bower Leicester Tigers, 18 Sam Twomey Harlequins, 19 Sam Jones London Wasps, 20 Dan Robson Gloucester Rugby, 21 Owen Farrell Saracens, 22 Marland Yarde London Irish
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