Under 20s Six Nations: England’s title hopes end despite 37-17 win in Treviso
under 20s six nations: England defeated Italy 37-17 in Treviso on Friday (ET), but the victory left their title hopes over after France’s big win left them uncatchable. Saracens fly-half Finn Keylock scored 17 points as England ran in five tries, yet Les Bleus’ triumph elsewhere secured the championship. England now head into the final round with a shot at denying France a Grand Slam on Sunday, 15 March (ET).
Under 20s Six Nations: match essentials
England returned to winning ways with five tries, crossing through Will Knight, Lucas Friday, Seb Kelly, Finn Keylock and George Marsh, and Keylock added conversions and a penalty to finish on 17 points. Italy opened through fly-half Pietro Celi, and hit back with tries from hooker Valerio Pelli and winger Malik Faissal, which briefly narrowed the margin after England extended their lead early in the second half. The result left England unable to overhaul runaway leaders France after France overwhelmed Scotland 46-25.
Saints contingent and squad notes
England named five players from Saints for the Italy encounter, with James Pater at full-back, Oliver Scola at loosehead and Aiden Ainsworth-Cave in the second row starting the matchday selection. Tighthead prop Sonny Tonga’uiha was named among the replacements, while scrum-half Jonny Weimann returned from injury to take a place on the bench. That selection means Saints will be without all five youngsters for their PREM Rugby Cup semi-final at Exeter Chiefs on Sunday afternoon (ET).
Reactions from the England set-up
England Under-20s assistant coach Gareth Harris said: “After disappointment in Bath (a 31-21 loss to Ireland), the team have attacked this week with clarity and a clear focus on wanting to make a positive impact for the remainder of the tournament. As coaches, we have seen players’ commitment to their roles and have set the high standards we expect approaching a tough away test. We trust our squad will bring that relentlessness in their work and genuine enjoyment to give themselves every chance to succeed in Treviso. “
Key moments in the match included Italy taking an early lead through Celi before Knight’s try levelled the score at half-time, and Friday’s powerful break after the interval that pushed England in front. Seb Kelly’s score and Keylock’s try secured a bonus-point fourth for England before replacement George Marsh finished the scoring.
What happens next
England will seek to deny France a Grand Slam when the sides meet in the final round on Sunday, 15 March (ET). For the club game timeline, Saints face their PREM Rugby Cup semi-final at Exeter Chiefs without the five selected youngsters this coming Sunday afternoon (ET). The tournament closes with the final round confrontation that will decide whether France completes a sweep or England salvages pride on the last day of competition.
Even with the win in Treviso, the under 20s six nations title is now out of England’s reach, leaving the final fixtures to determine final standings and individual progressions from this campaign.
