Topics: Rugby, Rugby Union, England, Ireland
England squared off against Ireland in Bath on Friday night in the Under-20’s Six Nations, with the hosts entering the contest as heavy favourites following their perfect start to the competition.
There was an expectation they would make it three wins from three, as they seemed set for a Grand Slam showdown with France in the final round of the competition.
However, Ireland had not read the script, as they secured a 31-21 victory in the Recreation Ground, their first win over England in this competition for three years.
The Irish suffered defeat in the opening game of the competition against France, but following their win over Italy in the second round, along with this result, they have climbed to second in the table and reignited their hopes of lifting the Six Nations on the final day.
Ireland are now level on points with table toppers France following this result, but the French still have to play their round three fixture against Italy, a game which they are expected to win.
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England’s hopes of lifting the title could well and truly be extinguished by Saturday night, as France could be six points ahead following their game with the Azzurri.
England and Ireland are set to face off in the Six Nations this afternoon at Twickenham, and the hosts are heavy favourites for the match.
Andy Farrell’s side are aiming to keep both their Triple Crown and hopes of lifting the championship alive with a victory but know they have to execute their game plan perfectly to do so.
The Irish head coach has taken the decision to recall Jack Crowley to the starting lineup to replace Sam Prendergast, who has been dropped from the matchday squad entirely despite starting 10 of Ireland’s last 13 international Tests.
Farrell may encourage his squad to look at the example set by the U-20s on Friday night, as they upset the odds to defeat the English at home to reignite their own championship hopes.
A loss for either England or Ireland will likely spell the end of any chance they have of lifting the title in March and may even lead to serious questions around the direction they are heading ahead of the World Cup in 2027.
