If the double doesn’t materialise, though, he doesn’t want people judging the RFU’s pathway programme based on a single result in South Africa versus an opposition gunning to collect its fourth U20 Championship title in a row.
Having drawn their last two matches with Ireland, they finally put the squeeze on the age-grade rivals, dominating in the scrum and choking the life out of the opposition in a one-sided second half to convincingly win 31-20 after an end-to-end opening half had finished 22-20.
The English were denied a shot at the Grand Slam by Ireland’s last-gasp, game-levelling converted try at The Rec last Friday.
Mark Mapletoft and Andy Titterrell have made four changes to the England U20 starting XV that narrowly lost to Bath United last week to take on Oxford University in their final match before the U20 Six Nations.
Newcastle Falcons have announced the signing of back Aloisio Vereimi Namuatabu Qorowale on a two-year deal. The 27-year-old - who can play wing or centre - joins from the British Army where he has been serving as a rifleman.
Newcastle Falcons have confirmed the 16 players that will exit the club ahead of the 2022-23 Gallagher Premiership season.
Promoted Newcastle were tipped for 2020/21 relegation but their excellent start to the Premiership has continued with a deserved win at Wasps.