England finished fourth in last year’s edition in Mapletoft’s first tournament in charge, with their last triumph coming in 2016 when they beat Ireland in the final 45-21.
Following a pool-stage draw with Ireland 34-34, England swept aside Fiji 53-7 and drew with Australia 2222 before coming unstuck in the semi-finals 52-31 against eventual winners France.
England ended their campaign with a 3rd-place loss to South Africa 22-15 but with a new group and a devastating set piece, there’s reasons for optimism that the Red Rose could be a force in South Africa.
Leicester Tigers versatile forward Finn Carnduff, who can operate in the second row and back row, became the first England U20s player in three years to lead his nation to Six Nations glory back in March.
Carnduff continues his captaincy this summer as the squad’s most experienced player with 15 competitive caps.
In the victorious Six Nations campaign that saw comprehensive wins over Italy, Wales and Scotland before a 32-32 draw with Ireland and then a thrilling 45-31 victory away in France to seal the title, 22 current squad members earned caps in the Championship and recently 18 of the squad made senior competitive appearances for their clubs in the 2023/24 season.
Esta historia es de la edición June 23, 2024 de The Rugby Paper.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición June 23, 2024 de The Rugby Paper.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
Sleightholme shows he has pace to burn
OLLIE Sleightholme recently clocked his fastest sprint time and is racing to cement his spot as an England starter.
McGoverne says playing for Chiefs is her priority
EXETER fly-half Olivia McGoverne has opted for club over country which will rule her out of contention for New Zealand’s World Cup bid in 2025.
Trinity aim to get the culture right
HIGH-FLYING Trinity have made a remarkable turnaround this season after narrowly avoiding relegation last term, heading into this weekend unbeaten and are now eyeing up promotion from Level 7.
YOUNG GUNS
Louie Gulley experienced the environment of England U20s’ World Championship triumph up close this summerand now has a burning desire to become an age-grade star. The 19-year-old Exeter Chiefs hooker was part of Mark Mapletoft’s squad but didn’t manage to make an appearance during the tournament.
The Cherry & Whites lay down marker over Lucs
CAMBORNE maintained their lead at the top of the table with a bonus-point win against their nearest challengers in a pulsating game.
A brace from Botterill is key to victory for Esher
A highly entertaining and enthralling contest between two sides fighting at the foot of the table was eventually won by Esher after the lead had changed no less than seven times throughout an absorbing afternoon.
Chiefs in hunt for new investment
TONY Rowe has confirmed the search for new investors into Exeter Chiefs has begun as he looks to safeguard the longterm future of the Premiership club.
McParland keen to shine for England A
NORTHAMPTON scrum-half Archie McParland feels he has returned a better player following a nasty injury that denied him a World Cup winners medal and is now ready to fly into a new opportunity with England A.
Undercard get chance to show their A-game
ENGLAND’S A team today get their first major work-out after being resurrected earlier this year when Australia’s undercard provide the opposition at The Stoop.
England look like a clueless rabble
I WATCHED with a growing sense of bewilderment as England yet again took to the field against Australia looking to all intents and purpose as if they had just been introduced to each other on the coach into Twickenham.
