Junior Kpoku thrust straight back in, Offiah set for England U20 debut
Racing 92 flanker Junior Kpoku has been restored to the England U20 starting line-up for their U20 Six Nations encounter with Scotland in Newcastle on Friday.
Kpoku was suspended for England’s 27-10 victory against France in round two but makes an immediate return and is one of five changes to Mark Mapletoft’s XV as their title defence continues at Kingston Park.
Sale Sharks prop Tye Raymont comes into the front row in place of Vilikesa Sela, while Exeter Chiefs teammates Nick Lilley and Campbell Ridl have been given the nod to start in the backline alongside Leicester Tigers full-back George Pearson.
Bath clubmates Connor Treacey and Tyler Offiah and Northampton Saints scrum-half Jonny Weimann will make their U20 debuts if called upon from the replacements’ bench.
Mapletoft said: “Returning from a fallow week, the mood around camp is buoyant and energetic after a good start to the tournament.
“Nevertheless, the boys are taking ownership to remain absolutely focused on another demanding evening under the lights.
“Coming to Kingston Park after seven years as an U20 Men’s team will mark this as a special occasion for all involved, but a special mention must go to Tye [Raymont] and Nick [Lilley] for their first starts and to George [Pearson] and Campbell [Ridl] on their deserved first caps.”
England U20 Men team to play Scotland
15 George Pearson (Leicester Tigers, Buckingham RFC, uncapped)
14 Jack Bracken (Saracens, Barnet Elizabethans, 7 caps)
13 Angus Hall (Saracens, Sevenoaks Rugby Club, 8 caps)
12 Nick Lilley (Exeter Chiefs, Ivybridge RFC, 2 caps)
11 Campbell Ridl (Exeter Chiefs, Sharks, uncapped)
10 Ben Coen (Exeter Chiefs, Teignmouth RFC, 7 caps)
9 Lucas Friday (Harlequins, Bromley RFC, 8 caps)
1 Ralph McEachran (Sale Sharks, Guildford RFC, 2 caps)
2 Kepu Tuipulotu (Bath Rugby, Cwmbran RFC, 2 caps)
3 Tye Raymont (Sale Sharks, West Park Leeds RFC, 2 caps)
4 Olamide Sodeke (Saracens, Blackheath Rugby Club, 13 caps)
5 Tom Burrow (c) (Sale Sharks, Morley RUFC, 2 caps)
6 Junior Kpoku (Racing 92, Saracens Amateurs, 12 caps)
7 George Timmins (Bath Rugby, Market Harborough RUFC, 4 caps)
8 Kane James (Exeter Chiefs, St. Peter’s RFC, 11 caps)
Replacements
16 Louie Gulley (Exeter Chiefs, Crediton RFC, 2 caps)
17 Oliver Scola (Northampton Saints, Old Northamptonians RFC, 2 caps)
18 Vilikesa Sela (Bath Rugby, Royal Wootton Bassett RFC, 11 caps)
19 Aiden Ainsworth-Cave (Northampton Saints, Bedford Junior Blues, 2 caps)
20 Connor Treacey (Bath Rugby, New Milton Rugby Club, uncapped)
21 Jonny Weimann (Northampton Saints, Royston Rugby Club, uncapped)
22 Josh Bellamy (Harlequins, Rosslyn Park, 12 caps)
23 Tyler Offiah (Bath Rugby, Ealing Trailfinders, uncapped)
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