#StarPerformers - Wales U20s v England U20s

Merrcer had a huge part to play in England's convincing victory over Wales. Throughout the encounter, the big no. 8 could be seen putting in some superb carries. Mercer's work rate was immense, as he provided himself as a ball carrier at any given opportunity all over the field. This aspect of his game was highlighted most clearly in the build up to his score. The back rower got on the end of a quick restart by Wales and managed to make a 40m break along the touchline to give his side the front foot. After one more phase, Mercer could be seen collecting the ball and crashing over for the try. His superb work rate, combined with his strength and pace certainly make Mercer one to watch.

 

 

Jones was one of the few bright sparks in a struggling Welsh side. The young outhalf scored his side's opening try against England, and was also the catalyst that ignited the initial movement. Off the line out, Jones identified great space in behind the English defense, forcing fullback Parton to track back. Finding himself under pressure, Parton was forced to clear, but the Wales scrum half Blacker was there to collect and provide a chip through for Jones to collect, allowing the outhalf to finish off the attack he had begun with a try. Throughout the fixture, Jones showed a level head as he slotted 4/6 and kicking from hand to pin England back whenever possible.

 

 

 

Butler caused huge problems for the Welsh defensive line on several occasions throughout their encounter. The centre provided a strong platform for his side to work off of thanks to his carrying with ball in hand, and on occasion manage to cut through Wales' defense thanks to some fancy footwork. As the game progressed, the centre became more and more involved, identifying the gaps that the Welsh left in their line as fatigue began to kick in. Late on in the first half Butler was rewarded for his relentless carrying with a try, after making possibly the best line of the fixture. Off a line out that everyone expected England to maul, Butler runs against the grain, allowing him to fend off the attempted Welsh tackles and dot down over the whitewash. Will Butler will certainly cause the remaining nations problems as this tournament progresses.