England U-20s won’t be short motivation

ENGLAND U-20 coach Mark Mapletoft reckons last year’s shock defeat by Ireland provides all the motivation for his side ahead of tonight’s re-match at Kingsholm, Gloucester tonight (kick-off 7.45pm).

England top the U-20 Six Nations table following wins over Wales (41-14) and Italy (16-10) but suffered a setback against Ireland last season when they were beaten 19-18 thanks to a late long-range drop goal from Blackrock’s Ian Madigan in the final moments.

Mapletoft admits the side was stung by that defeat in Athlone. “Some of our players are still be hurting. But there’s not a great carry over and this is about this game, not the last one. If we perform to the targets we set we’ll be very competitive.”