Shock for England as Georgia take it

GEORGIAN rugby’s emphatic rise continues as their U20s secured a first-ever victory against England that resulted in wild celebrations with a pitch invasion at Avchala Stadium.

- BEN JAYCOCK

The Georgia senior side strengthened their claim for a Six Nations spot by beating Wales last autumn and their junior team’s victory over England in a thriller in Tbilisi on Thurday will only bolster their claim to be included in the Northern Hemisphere’s premier tournament.

Victory levelled the two-match series in new England head coach Mark Mapletoft’s first games in charge ahead of next month’s World Championship in South Africa.

While England edged out Georgia last weekend, their inconsistencies continue at U20s level following back-to-back disappointing Six Nations campaigns.

England made the perfect start to the contest as Connor Slevin’s kickoff evaded the Georgian receivers, with Sale Sharks winger Alex Wills on hand to finish untouched inside the opening 10 seconds.

Harlequins fly-half Slevin judged a tough wind brilliantly and coolly slotted the extras.

London Irish No.8 Chandler Cunningham-South produced a barnstorming carry off a scrum and off quick ball England found themselves deep inside the Georgian 22.