Under-20s Six Nations: England, France and Ireland win in second round of games
- Published
Jack van Poortvliet scored England's first try of the match against Scotland
England, France and Ireland were victorious in the second round of matches in the Under-20s Six Nations.
England beat Scotland 31-12 in Friday's first match, France narrowly beat Italy 13-11 before Ireland beat Wales 40-12.
It was the second of five triple-headers played at the Arms Park in Cardiff in under a month.
Ireland and England keep their 100 percent record in this year's competition while Italy and Scotland continue to search for their first win.
Sam Riley played a crucial role as England made it two wins from two in Friday's opening match.
Jack van Poortvliet, Fin Smith and Deago Bailey all scored first-half tries for a 19-5 lead at the break.
England continued on the front foot in the second half and despite being reduced to 13 men held their own, though Ollie Leatherbarrow did cross for Scotland.
France's gritty win over Italy was helped by Nelson Epee's brilliant first-half try as they bounced back from the opening-game defeat to England.
Simone Gesi's try had put Italy ahead before Epee hit back for France, who were on the back foot for long periods against the Azzurri.
The result was ultimately decided by kicking accuracy, with Manfredi Albanese missing a late penalty for Italy while Edgar Retiere was on target with his three kicks for France.
In the final match of the day Ireland moved into a 17-0 lead before half-time thanks to tries from Chris Cosgrave and Cathal Forde.
Nathan Doak, who also kicked 15 points, crossed early in the second half before Wales hit back through tries from Alex Mann and Carrick McDonough.
However McDonough was sin-binned soon after and Daniel Okeke and Alex Kendellen sealed a bonus-point win for Ireland.
The 2020 tournament was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and this year's condensed format will see five matchdays featuring three games played consecutively.
The third round of matches on Thursday, 1 July will see Scotland face Italy, France play Wales and Ireland take on England.