Key forwards return for Eng U20

 

The pair are two of four changes to the starting team with Genge coming back into the side at loosehead, while Chisholm will revert back to No.8.

 

Charlie Beckett will make his first start of the season after being named on the flank, while James Mitchell is the only change in the backline from the side that beat Wales 30-16.

 

Beckett comes in for Stuart Townsend at scrumhalf after the incumbent was ruled out of the rest of the tournament with a knee injury. Bath’s Will Homer becomes the replacement scrumhalf.

 

England U20 head coach Jon Callard said he selected the best and fittest squad available for the game against the French.

 

"It is important that we manage resources – it is about keeping players fit and fresh for the whole of the tournament and giving everyone an opportunity," said Callard.

 

"Some will inevitably be disappointed when they miss out, but the squad we have selected is what we believe to be the best fit for this particular game."

 

It was a Six Nations decider when England last played France back in March with England defending their title after a 24-11 win. Now a place in the semifinal of the World Rugby U20 Championship is at stake. Both France and England have won their opening two pool matches. 

 

This could bring added pressure, but for Callard and the management the priority remains encouraging the players to take enjoyment in developing and expressing themselves on the field.  

 

"We are just concentrating on ourselves," he added. "We are always trying to improve as a team, and develop the processes that go into being a good team, with capable and confident players. We are not worried about the outcome, that will take care of itself if we play to the best of our ability.

 

“I always enjoy playing against the French and watching them play. They have flair and a well drilled set piece which makes it a nice challenge for our team. Our scrum and lineout have improved game on game so to go against a strong French side will be a good test. 

 

“I am expecting them to be solid up front and committed, and because of that French element of the unknown, we need to be sharp, always switched on and ready to respond to every eventuality.”

 

England Under-20: 15 Aaron Morris, 14 George Perkins, 13 Nick Tompkins, 12 Max Clark, 11 Howard Packman, 10 Rory Jennings, 9 James Mitchell, 8 James Chisholm, 7 Will Owen, 6 Charlie Beckett, 5 Charlie Ewels (captain), 4 Kieran Treadwell, 3 Paul Hill, 2 Jack Walker, 1 Ellis Genge.

Replacements: 16 Jack Innard, 17 Owen Hills, 18 Ciaran Parker, 19 Sam Skinner, 20 Josh Bainbridge, 21 Will Homer, 22 Lloyd Evans, 23 Piers O’Conor.

 

Date: Wednesday, June 10

Venue: Stadio Luigi Zaffanella, Viadana 

Kick-off: 16.30 (14.30 GMT)

Referee: TBC

Assistant referees: TBC