England Under-20s suffered an agonising 31-24 defeat to defending champions South Africa in their latest clash at the IRB Junior World Championship in France on Sunday.
England had trailed 21-0 at one point but fought back gallantly in the second period to claim a claim a losing bonus point with centre Harry Sloan, lock Elliott Stook and wing Henry Purdy all claiming tries. Head Coach Nick Walshe's side now face a must-win clash against Pool A rivals USA on Thursday but also require other results to go their way if they are to progress to the semi-finals.
There was better news for Ireland and Wales who both notched victories to keep their title hopes alive. Ireland hammered Fiji 46-3 in their Pool B clash with wingers Rory Scholes and Darren Sweetnam both scoring a brace. Wales accounted for Pool C rivals Scotland with a narrow 26-21 win with fly-half Sam Davies steering them home. Elsewhere, New Zealand maintained their unbeaten start to the competition with a 14-10 victory over Australia to remain in control of Pool A.
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