Wales U20 staged a mini fightback in the second period through tries by Josh Turnbull and Leigh Halfpenny as the Dragons trailed 17-3 at the interval, but Wales U20 Coach Horgan was happy with the attitude of his young side in Gloucester.
“I was delighted with the commitment of the players and the way we came back in the second half,” he said. “We didn’t take our chances and got punished for missing a couple of tackles. England are a good side with plenty of power and physicality but we handled them well throughout.”
The opening defeat was compounded by the injury to back-rower Lloyd Phillips.The young Scarlets No.8 lay motionless on the Kingsholm pitch before being treated by paramedics. Phillips will miss next Friday’s clash with Scotland U20 at Rodney Parade but Horgan is relieved it is not a long-term injury.
Horgan added: “We were extremely worried and the worst thoughts went through my mind. He has suffered concussion and we’re thankful he will only be out for three weeks.”
