England U20 Side named to face Italy 2012
By RFU Press Office
March 1 2012
England Under 20 have named their side to take on Italy in the rearranged Under 20 Six Nations game in Rovigo on Saturday, March 3, kick off 3.00pm (local time).
| England Under 20 name side to face Italy | ||||
Hunter welcomes Scott Spurling, Matt Kvesic, Henry Slade, Will Skuse and Marland Yarde into the starting XV from the side that beat Wales 40-9, while Ben Nutley joins up with the squad for the first time. England are currently two from two in this season’s competition, and have lost just once in their last twelve outings. Hunter’s side have scored 99 points without conceding a try in their opening Six Nations matches, but captain Chris Walker is under no illusions as to how tough a test his side will face in the north of Italy. “We’re looking forward to actually getting out there and playing,” Walker said. “It was frustrating having the game called off last time, but we’re ready and focussed on the job in hand. “It’s great to welcome experienced guys like Matt Kvesic back into the mix and that kind of competition can only be good for the squad. We’ve got some real leaders in this side, Dan Robson in particular has been motivating the boys well and we can’t wait for the game." Walker added: "We know that Italy will provide a strong threat - they have some exciting players, but if we all stick to our tasks then i'm confident we can go out there and give a good account of ourselves." England Under 20 starting XV to play Italy 15) Ben Ransom (Saracens) Replacements: 16) Nathan Morris (London Wasp) |
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Friday March 2, 2012
Issued by Stefan Curtis
England Under 20 fly half Henry Slade
BEING thrown in at the deep end is no problem for England Under 20 fly half Henry Slade – he went to school with Olympic diver Tom Daley.
The 18-year-old Exeter Chiefs No. 10 has fought his way back into contention with Rob Hunter’s Under 20 side and has been given his first start of this season’s Six Nations campaign in Italy tomorrow (Saturday).
Slade has missed over five months of the current season, first injuring his back before his medial collateral ligament.
But he is back to full fitness and said:
“It’s always nice to get the start. I’ve been working towards it for quite some time now. Getting injured was a blow but I was pretty focussed on returning for the Six Nations and fortunately with the help of the physios and the conditioning guys I’ve been able to – it’s a good feeling.
“It was a long road to recovery, but you have to make what you can of the situation so I spent a bit of time trying to build up my size and strength, as well as analysing games in more detail to try and get a better understanding. You could say it’s been a bit of a blessing in disguise.”
Slade came off the bench for Tommy Bell in England’s 40-9 triumph over Wales last weekend, and added:
“It was great to get a run out at The Stoop, the atmosphere was really good and it was just nice to put all that training and preparation into practice. We’re missing a few guys who are at their Premiership clubs, but the way we performed against the Welsh goes to show that there’s a real strength in depth with this squad,” reflected Slade.
England are back in Italy for the second time within a month after their scheduled Six Nations game on February 10 was called off due to a frozen pitch, but Slade is hoping that the frustration of not being able to play last time can be utilised.
“It was disappointing not to get a game last time we were out here, but you have to respect the decision and move on. The benefit is that we now know the area, the hotel and the ground, so we’re actually a little bit more acclimatised,” reflected Slade.
“The Italians are a very proud nations and extremely passionate, particularly at home, so we know that it’s going to be a big challenge, but I think we’re up to it.”
Italy Under 20 v England Under 20 kicks off at 3.00pm (local time) on Saturday, March 3. Updates available through the Official RFU Twitter feed.