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Young guns prepare for world final

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England Under-20s have included Leicester Tigers duo Ben Youngs and Jack Cobden in the 22 for Sunday's World Championship Final in Tokyo.

Scrum-half Youngs is in the starting XV after scoring a try in the semi-final win over South Africa, while wing Cobden is included among the replacements.

Tigers colleagues Will Hurrell and Greig Tonks have also been involved in England’s progress to the final against New Zealand.

Coach Mark Mapletoft, who has called up Saracens hooker Jamie George to the starting line-up in the only change since the semi-final, said: “In some ways there is less pressure on us now we’ve reached the final that there was in the semis, where you have to overcome the possibility of going out before the final hurdle.

“The Blacks have been very impressive so far, only conceding two tries all tournament. They have some very good players and, like the senior team, they do enjoy playing some rugby.

“People say games are won and lost up front, and there’s no doubt that we have a strong pack. But you also need a good blend and we’ve got great half-backs, a decent backline, pace out wide and a phenomenal goal-kicker, which is a big plus in keeping momentum. Tom Homer averages 87 per cent which is an incredible success rate for a player of his age.” 

Seven of the 22 were part of last year’s tournament and for Youngs, captain Calum Clark, Rob Miller and Luke Eves the match is a chance to avenge last year’s 38-3 defeat.

“Guys are only available for this age group for two years,” said Mapletoft. “For these guys, especially the four that played against the Kiwis last year, the possibility of reaching two finals undoubtedly gives them extra personal motivation. But this is a team goal as well.

“We’re well prepared, we know what we’re doing and we know what they’re about.  And we know that on the day, the best team will win.”

Sunday’s final kicks-off at 3pm local time (7am UK time) and can be followed live and free online at www.irb.com or on Eurosport 2.

England Under-20s (IRB Toshiba Junior World Championship Final)
15 Tom Homer (London Irish)
14 George Lowe (Harlequins)
13 Henry Trinder (Gloucester Rugby)
12 Luke Eves (Bristol Rugby)
11 Charlie Sharples (Gloucester Rugby)
10 Rory Clegg (Newcastle Falcons)
9 Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers)
1 Ben Moon (Exeter Chiefs)
2 Jamie George (Saracens)
3 Bob Baker (London Wasps)
4 Graham Kitchener (Worcester Warriors)
5 James Gaskell (Sale Sharks)
6 Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints)
7 Calum Clark (Leeds Carnegie, captain)
8 Carl Fearns (Sale Sharks)

Replacements
16 James Clark (London Irish)
17 Shaun Knight (Gloucester Rugby)
18 Dan Williams (Gloucester Rugby)
19 Josh Ovens (Bath Rugby)
20 Dave Lewis (Gloucester Rugby)
21 Rob Miller (Newcastle Falcons)
22 Jack Cobden (Leicester Tigers)