Georgia.............. 45pts England..............17pts
ENGLAND U20 endured a repeat of last year’s wobbly World Championship preparations as Mark Mapletoft’s side were soundly beaten in Georgia.
In 2023, England won the first of their two fixtures in Tbilisi but fell short in a 40-38 loss on the eve of last year’s showpiece tournament, and after the tourists won last week 31-7 in a commanding display, they were well beaten on Wednesday in a poor outing that will provide concerns ahead of their World Championship opener on June 29 against Argentina.
The Six Nations winners, who were unbeaten since their third-place play-off against South Africa in last year’s World Championship, are renowned for their dominant set-piece but the Georgians overpowered England in what proved a difficult afternoon for Mapletoft’s team.
England were punished for attempting to play from deep in the opening minute and a penalty at the break-
down allowed the hosts to opt for the corner. The catch and drive was collapsed illegally by Olamide Sodeke but after unsuccessful pick and gos, play was spread to the left flank, only for a fantastic tackle by Jack Bracken to put Georgia into touch.
Georgia’s early momentum continued though as scrum-half Ollie Allan took too long at a ruck and conceded a scrum deep inside England’s 22.
No.8 Andro Dvali made a surging run off the base and after England were offside 5m out, this time the hosts opted for a shot at goal that Luka Tsirekidze duly slotted.
However, Dvali fumbled the kick off and Georgia were swiftly ushered into touch 5m out from their own line.
England’s driving maul kicked into gear with Saracens No.8 Nathan Michelow crossing and despite a shaky start, the visitors led after 10 minutes.
Giorgi Khaindrava made a surging break through the English defence before offloading to Giorgi Spanderashvili, who went under
