Head Coach Chris Davey, who was without so many of his leading lights due to injury or unavailability, will see it as a chance spurned. Wales U21 had chances to win this match, especially in the first half when England U21 found themselves on the back foot for much of the opening forty minutes.
Despite the end result, Wales U21 could not have made a better start – scrum half Nicky Griffiths (Ospreys) burrowing his way over the England U21 line for a fourth minute try that Aled Thomas failed to improve. England U21, who were significantly bigger at forward, were once again woefully one dimensional in the opening stages and Wales U21 had to do nothing more than field a series of poorly directed kicks. Thomas (Dragons) increased the lead after nine minutes with a penalty from in front after Tom Riley was taken out and to their credit, and in contrast, Wales U21 did their best to utilise their possession positively whenever possible.
England U21 outside half Toby Flood reduced the deficit with a penalty from in front of the posts after thirteen minutes, but with Wales U21 keen to make amends for last season’s defeat at the hands of England U21’s Class of 2005 in Mendoza, it was England U21 who should have leaked a second score after seventeen minutes. Unfortunately, with the line at his mercy, Thomas took his eye off the ball and spilt a straightforward pass from Riley.
With Wales U21 all but out on their feet after two tough weeks of competition in the Auvergne, it was England U21 who started to turn the screw as Wales U21 began to feel the heat. However, when Thomas dropped a goal 10 minutes from time to make it 11-6, a victory was certainly on the cards. Unfortunately, a try from prop David Wilson that Ryan Lamb converted gave England U21 the lead for the first time six minutes from time. Thomas might have won it in the final minute but his penalty attempt from 45 metres was short and wide.
Wales U21 must now play Argentina U21 for the second time in eight days on Sunday after the Pumas lost 42-20 to Ireland in the other 5th-8th place play-off match.
