Will Owen makes his fourth start for England at the World Rugby U20 Championship in their semi-final clash with South Africa today (Monday).Leicester Tigers flanker Owen started all four of England’s pool fixtures and retains his place in the back row for the last four clash at the Stadio San Michele, Calvisano (kick off 7.30pm UK time, live on BT Sport 1).
England make two changes to the side that lost to France in the final pool fixture, flanker Lewis Ludlam and lock Will Witty returning to the pack.
Head coach Jon Callard said: “It was a disappointing game but the attitude and bounce back has been first class.
“There is a renewed energy and ambition in the group and, while the format of this competition is demanding, it does mean that within a matter of days we have the opportunity to put right what we didn’t do against France."
France play New Zealand in the other semi-final while South Africa, the highest performing team in the group stages, play England in a repeat of last year’s final.
Callard said: “This is a new group of players and this is their chance to show what they are capable of.
“It is both a privilege and an honour for them to be in the same bracket as South Africa, France and New Zealand, but we need to put in performances that prove we have the right to be there.
“We have watched South Africa extensively and they are a forward orientated side, with good half backs that can move the team around the field well, and they have an electric back three.
“This is why we come to these tournaments - you want to play against the best, to learn and develop through challenging fixtures. We are excited about the proposition that is ahead of us.”
England v South Africa:
15 Aaron Morris (Saracens)
14 George Perkins (Saracens)
13 Nick Tompkins (Saracens)
12 Max Clark (Bath Rugby)
11 Howard Packman (Northampton Saints)
10 Rory Jennings (Bath Rugby)
9 James Mitchell (Sale Sharks)
1 Ellis Genge (Bristol Rugby)
2 Jack Walker (Yorkshire Carnegie)
3 Paul Hill (Yorkshire Carnegie)
4 Will Witty (Newcastle Falcons)
5 Charlie Ewels (Bath Rugby, captain)
6 Lewis Ludlam (Northampton)
7 Will Owen (Leicester Tigers)
8 James Chisholm (Harlequins)
Replacements:
16 Jack Innard (Exeter Chiefs)
17 Sebastian Adeniran-Olule (Harlequins)
18 Ciaran Parker (Sale Sharks)
19 Kieran Treadwell (Harlequins)
20 Sam Skinner (Exeter Chiefs)
21 Will Homer (Bath Rugby)
22 Lloyd Evans (Gloucester)
23 Piers O’Conor (Wasps)
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Owen starts U20s semi v South Africa
15 June 2015 9:09 AM
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