England punished by lively Georgia
The Rugby Paper|June 16, 2024
ENGLAND U20 endured a repeat of last year's wobbly World Championship preparations as Mark Mapletoft's side were soundly beaten in Georgia.
BEN JAYCOCK
England punished by lively Georgia

In 2023, England won the first of their two fixtures in Tbilisi but fell short in a 40-38 loss on the eve of last year's showpiece tournament, and after the tourists won last week 31-7 in a commanding display, they were well beaten on Wednesday in a poor outing that will provide concerns ahead of their World Championship opener on June 29 against Argentina.

The Six Nations winners, who were unbeaten since their third-place play-off against South Africa in last year's Championship, World are renowned for their dominant set-piece but the Georgians overpowered England in what proved a difficult afternoon for Mapletoft's team.

This story is from the June 16, 2024 edition of The Rugby Paper.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the June 16, 2024 edition of The Rugby Paper.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM THE RUGBY PAPERView All
Ring fence has made English rugby go soft
The Rugby Paper

Ring fence has made English rugby go soft

THE most positive aspect to come out of the opening round of the European Cup was that, despite six out of the eight English clubs losing, it can get better and relatively quickly.

time-read
4 mins  |
December 15, 2024
The global travellers who light up game
The Rugby Paper

The global travellers who light up game

THERE is nothing especially funny about short-term memory loss, but it may just have an upside when it comes to rugby.

time-read
3 mins  |
December 15, 2024
Battling Bath looking to revive cup campaign
The Rugby Paper

Battling Bath looking to revive cup campaign

JOHANN van Graan is braced to take on the Italian national team in all but name as Bath look to revive their Champions Cup campaign.

time-read
3 mins  |
December 15, 2024
Off-target Gloucester get lesson in finishing
The Rugby Paper

Off-target Gloucester get lesson in finishing

KIWI Michael Ruru scored two early tries and put in a silky display as Vannes created a famous night in their history, securing a first ever Challenge Cup win over a misfiring Gloucester.

time-read
2 mins  |
December 15, 2024
We're happy to be the hunted, says Beckett
The Rugby Paper

We're happy to be the hunted, says Beckett

SARAH Beckett admits Gloucester-Hartpury have made an underwhelming start to their title defence but believes that's partly due to competition across the PWR being at an alltime high.

time-read
2 mins  |
December 15, 2024
Heard takes charge to keep out Sarries
The Rugby Paper

Heard takes charge to keep out Sarries

GLOUCESTER-HARTPURY secured a pulsating victory over Saracens to leapfrog the Londoners in the PWR table.

time-read
2 mins  |
December 15, 2024
Hellfire Corner gives a warm welcome to all
The Rugby Paper

Hellfire Corner gives a warm welcome to all

RUGBY was undergoing a massive boom 150 years ago so we shouldn’t be surprised so many teams are celebrating their sesquicentennial anniversary as those who glory in long words like to call it.

time-read
5 mins  |
December 15, 2024
My fierce Tigers are roaring-Howison
The Rugby Paper

My fierce Tigers are roaring-Howison

A RUTHLESS second-half display saw Sheffield Tigers come from behind to score 29 unanswered points and seal a vital bonus point win against bottom of the table Billingham.

time-read
2 mins  |
December 15, 2024
Brave Lupus banking on Mo'unga class
The Rugby Paper

Brave Lupus banking on Mo'unga class

THE fourth season of Japan Rugby League One kicks off this week, with the tournament opening with the clash between Mie Honda Heat and Ricoh Black Rams Tokyo on December 21.

time-read
3 mins  |
December 15, 2024
Oyonnax must live without El-Abd
The Rugby Paper

Oyonnax must live without El-Abd

OYONNAX’S seven-try 53-10 bonus-point win over ProD2 rivals Soyaux-Angouleme on Friday – their first victory since October 25 – was a relief in more ways than one. In fact, relief probably doesn’t cover it.

time-read
4 mins  |
December 15, 2024