England reach Rugby U20 Championship semi-finals
Lucas Bachelier in action for France. Picture: World Rugby - Credit: Archant
Former Oaklands student George Perkins has started all three games for England at 14.
Defending champions England have made it through to the semi-finals of the Rugby U20 Championship.
England lost their Pool A decider 30-18 to France at Stadio Luigi Zaffanella but went through as the best-runner up in the three groups due to their superior points scored total.
England will face South Africa, winner of Pool C, in the last four.
Head coach Jon Callard said: “Credit to France, they fronted up and made inroads into our set piece which caused us some frustration and we then compounded errors with errors.
“I was proud of how the lads stuck at it in a very physical and dogmatic game but unfortunately we made mistakes in a way that we haven’t so far this tournament.
“The players were disappointed with their performance, and not to top the pool, but they will learn from this experience and will be stronger for it both in terms of this competition and their international careers going forward.”
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England beat Wales and Japan in their other Pool A games.
