England were beaten 26-20 by Wales in their second fixture of the Aon International Series in South Africa this week. Gloucester Rugby’s George Barton contributed 15 of his side’s points in the 20-26 reverse.

England trailed 19-10 at the break with Wales scoring tries through Cameron Lewis, Sam Costelow and Osian Knott while England's George Barton scored all of his side's points with a converted try as well as a penalty.

Wales' Teddy Williams and England's Harvey Beaton stretched the score but despite late pressure the side could not overturn the six-point deficit.

Wales started well and Lewis bundled over for the first try of the game after intense pressure which Costelow converted. Josh Gillespie prevented a certain try on the left wing with a last-ditch tackle but soon after Costelow jinked through for a second try.

Barton had England's first points with a penalty but Wales crossed for a third score with Knott finishing off decent handling from the three-quarters.

Just before half-time England's fly-half jinked through for a first try, also converting his own score to make it 19-10 at the break.

Barton landed a penalty after the restart to reduce the deficit to six points while George Martin came close to a second England try.

Williams went over to increase Wales' lead with a third conversion for Costelow taking the score to 26-13.

Beaton bundled over under the posts to set up an exciting finish. but Wales hung on to register victory in Stellenberg.

Reflecting on the defeat, Mallinder said:

"We went a few points down in the first half, Wales played well and put us under a lot of pressure.

"However, in the second half we showed real spirit, the finishers who came off the bench made a really good impact and, on another day, we would have won the game. We created three fairly clear-cut chances but just couldn't take those. It was a big improvement from last Friday and we are moving in the right direction.

"We want the team to improve and develop but we also want them to win but sometimes that doesn't happen. We are disappointed but we'll analyse the game, move forward, train hard and look to end the series on high against South Africa on Saturday."

To reflect a change in the England pathway calendar the group in South Africa are predominately U17s with the tour now marking the start of the U18 international season, as well as their England journey.

The squad in South Africa is coached by Bates and Mallinder, who are being assisted by Mark Luffman as well as Nick Kennedy.

England U18s

Will Haydon-Wood - Newcastle Falcons (Sedbergh School), 14. Jack Bates - Bristol Bears (SGS Filton), 13. Tom Roebuck - Sale Sharks (Wirral Grammar), 12. Phil Cokanasiga - London Irish (St Pauls College), 11. Josh Gillespie - Northampton Saints (Millfield School), 10. George Barton - Gloucester Rugby (Dean Close School), 9. Raffi Quirke - Sale Sharks (St Ambrose College), 1. Rowan Mullis - Gloucester Rugby (Hartpury College), 2. Sam Riley - - Harlequins (St George's Weybridge), 3. Jack Hughes - Northampton Saints (Uppingham School), 4. George Hammond - Harlequins (Whitgift School), 5. Chunya Munga - London Irish (Leighton Park School), 6. Archie Smeaton - Yorkshire Carnegie (Hymers College), 7. Fin Rossiter (captain) - London Irish (Wellington College), 8. Jack Clement - Gloucester Rugby (Cheltenham College).

Replacements

Alfie Barbeary - Wasps (Bloxham School), 17. James Whitcombe - Leicester Tigers (Woodhouse Grove), 18. Harvey Beaton - Saracens (Sutton Valence), 19. George Martin - Leicester Tigers (Brooksby Melton College), 20. Harry Dugmore - Harlequins (Whitgift School), 21. Nahum Merigan - Bath Rugby (Beechen Cliff School), 22. Callum Pascoe - Northampton Saints (Millfield School), 23. Tom Curtis - Sale Sharks (Sedbergh School), 24. Josh Hallett - Saracens (New Hall School), 25. Louis Lynagh - Harlequins (Hampton School), 26. Lennox Anyanwu - Harlequins (Christ's Hospital).

Barton’s 15 points not enough as England U18s slip to defeat against Wales

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