England U21s Win in Vichy

England U21 34 - 8 Fiji U21

Although England dominated the opening exchanges, pushing forwards with wave after wave of attack, the Fijians showed they were equally competent in defence.  This was to be an action packed encounter with both sides combining ambition and flair in attack with bruising commitment in defence.

Said coach Jim Mallinder, “It was a very difficult match.  Fiji were a big physical side but also skilful and talented and we had to work hard to win.  In the end it was pleasing to get a bonus point but we will have to improve for our next difficult game against New Zealand.”

England’s patience was rewarded when they were awarded a penalty just outside the 22 after the Fijians infringed in a ruck.  Newcastle’s Toby Flood slotted the kick to put England on the scoreboard on the four minute mark. Flood, playing at inside centre, was England’s stand out player for his all round performance as well as his bleached blonde hair, scoring 19 of England’s points.    With England’s lineout dominance nullifying the Fijian game plan to kick for territory, the islanders changed tactics, moving the ball to their big midfield runners and demonstrating a sevens style of rugby that threatened England’s lead.  A break from inside centre Gabiriele Lovobalavi was stopped by a thundering tackle from Quins full back Mike Brown but the Fijians recycled it for 13 Naipolioni Vonowale who dived over in the right hand corner to edge his team to a 5-3 lead.

But England kept their calm and, moments later, a second Flood penalty restored their lead before the 30 minute mark.  They may have looked a little predictable by comparison in the opening exchanges but, with Lamb and Flood orchestrating the attack, that was about to change as a neat break from Flood resulted in a converted try.  

With a 13-5 lead, England settled in to their game plan.  Their dominance of set piece and control in open play was obvious from the start but as their attacking confidence developed so did their hold on the game.  A cleverly worked move created another chance for Flood before the break but this time he could not capitalise.

Half time came and went and although the action continued it wasn’t until the 60^th minute that England were able to add to their tally.  But when it came it was worth waiting for, with replacement Anthony Allen of Gloucester, on for Matt Cornwell, crossing first, Northampton wing Paul Diggin following him over on 72minutes and number 8 Jordan Crane crashing over to give England the all important bonus point fourth try.  Although Fiji clawed back three points England ran out winners by a comfortable 34-8 margin. 

Scoring Sequence

4mins Eng pen, Flood (3-0)

17mins Fiji try, Vonowale (3-5)

24mins Eng pen, Flood (6-5)

31mins Eng try, Flood, con Flood (13-5)

Half time score – 13-5

43mins Fiji pen, Nawalu (13-8)

60mins Eng try Allen, con Flood (20-8)

72mins Eng try Diggin, con Flood (27-8)

81mins Eng try Crane, con Flood (34-8)

England U21s

Mike Brown (NEC Harlequins), Topsy Ojo (London Irish), Matt Cornwell (Leicester Tigers, captain rep by Anthony Allen (Gloucester), 40mins, Toby Flood (Newcastle Falcons), Paul Diggin (Northampton Saints), Ryan Lamb (Gloucester) , Danny Care (Leeds Tykes), David Wilson (Newcastle Falcons) rep by Mark Lambert (NEC Harlequins), 54mins, Rob Webber (London Wasps) rep by Chris Brooker (Bath Rugby), 54mins, Tom Mercey (Saracens), Tom Ryder (Saracens) rep by Richard Blaze (Worcester Warriors) 54 mins, Tom Croft (Leicester Tigers), James Haskell (London Wasps), Chris Robshaw (NEC Harlequins), Jordan Crane (Leeds Tykes).

Unused replacements Ian Grieve (Bristol Rugby), Ryan Davis (Bath Rugby), Uche Odouza (Worcester Warriors)

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