England U20 have named six Northampton Saints players in their matchday squad for the World Rugby Junior World Championship clash with Argentina.
Loosehead prop Oli Scola retains his starting role from the side that defeated USA last time out, as he moves to 16 caps at this age grade – a number matched by clubmate Aiden Ainsworth-Cave, who packs down in the second row on Tuesday (kick-off: 12.30pm BST).
Fellow Saints youngsters James Pater and Hugh Shields are selected at at fullback and fly-half respectively, while prop Sonny Tonga’uiha and scrum-half Jonny Weimann await their chance to impress at Avchala Stadium in Tbilisi from amongst the replacements.
Assistant coach Will Parkin said: “We’re pleased with the outcome of the opening two matches, but there’s been a real emphasis this week on how we can take our performances to another level across 80 minutes. We have made it hard for ourselves at points across both games and that's something we have addressed.
“This will be the first time this squad has faced Argentina, which will be a great experience for them in their rugby journeys and part of what is so good about this tournament for their long-term development. Argentina is a proud rugby nation and have started the tournament well, which is an exciting opportunity for us.
“It has been great to see how the players have supported each other over the last 14 days in different roles, from starting, to coming off the bench and being involved in our non-23 ROSE squad. It’s a tight, connected group and we are looking forward to seeing them represent England again this Tuesday.”
England U20 Men’s squad to face Argentina
15 James Pater (Northampton Saints, Shelford RFC, 6 caps)
14 Tyler Offiah (Bath Rugby, Ealing Trailfinders, 8 caps)
13 Nick Lilley (Exeter Chiefs, Ivybridge RFC, 15 caps)
12 Will Knight (Gloucester Rugby, Longlevens RFC, 10 caps)
11 Sam Winters (Bath Rugby, Henley Hawks, 2 caps)
10 Hugh Shields (Northampton Saints, Old Northamptonians RFC, 2 caps)
9 Lucas Friday (Harlequins, Bromley RFC, 14 caps)
1 Oliver Scola (Northampton Saints, Old Northamptonians RFC, 15 caps)
2 Jimmy Staples (Harlequins, Worthing Rugby Club, 6 caps)
3 Ollie Streeter (Harlequins, Haywards Heath RFC, 8 caps)
4 Elliot Williams (Harlequins, London Irish Amateurs, 6 caps)
5 Aiden Ainsworth-Cave (Northampton Saints, Bedford Junior Blues, 15 caps)
6 Tate Williams (Harlequins, East Grinstead RFC, 4 caps)
7 Seb Kelly (Sale Sharks, Rochdale RUFC, 9 caps)
8 Connor Treacey (c) (Bath Rugby, New Milton Rugby Club, 14 caps)
Replacements"
16 Jerold Gorleku (Harlequins, Twickenham RFC, 3 caps)
17 Oliver Spencer (Sale Sharks, Harrogate RUFC, 6 caps)
18 Sonny Tonga’uiha (Northampton Saints, Old Northamptonians RFC, 6 caps)
19 Patrick Hogg (Sale Sharks, Blaydon Rugby Club, 5 caps)
20 George Marsh (Leicester Tigers, Holt RFC, 6 caps)
21 Jonny Weimann (Northampton Saints, Royston Rugby Club, 9 caps)
22 Finn Keylock (Saracens, Marlow RUFC, 5 caps)
23 George Pearson (Leicester Tigers, Buckingham RFC, 10 caps)