England U20 player ratings vs Ireland | World Rugby Junior World Championship 2026

England U20 player ratings: Ireland got out of the gate the fastest, with two tries inside eight minutes, but England struck back with both forward power and a back division that moved the ball with real intent.

England won the contact zone in the first half, with Ireland struggling to live with that physicality, although the scrum told a different story.

Ireland battled hard in the second half, but inaccuracy and discipline cost them as England ran out 34-27 winners.

1. Alan Poku – 6
Put under pressure at the scrum, particularly as Ireland found their groove in that area after 20 minutes. Around the park he was industrious enough without making a massive dent.

2. Jimmy Staples – 8
Crashing over from close range when Ireland were down to 14 summed up his nose for the line. Continued his taste for tries and added plenty of direct, abrasive carrying.

3. Ollie Streeter – 6
Pinged early at the scrum and never quite shook that off. Like Poku, had moments in open play but the set-piece battle made for an uncomfortable afternoon.

4. Elliot Williams – 6.5
Worked hard in the engine room but faded slightly as the game wore on. The contest drifted past him at times, though his early graft helped England establish control.

5. Aiden Ainsworth-Cave – 8
Outstanding at the lineout, absolutely owning the airwaves. Put in a tonne of work and was one of England’s most consistent performers across the 80.

6. Tate Williams – 8
A real handful when popping up in space, forcing a yellow card and constantly stressing Ireland’s defence. Dynamic and disruptive in equal measure.

7. Seb Kelly – 7.5
Did serious damage with close-quarter carrying and never stopped grafting. The yellow card took the edge off slightly but his first-half physicality was key.

8. Connor Treacey – 8
Carrying like a tank off the base and through contact. England’s back row in general were excellent and he was at the heart of that power game.

9. Lucas Friday – 7
Ticked things over without fuss. Not overly flashy but provided decent service as England leaned into their carriers and phase game.

10. Hugh Shields – 6.5
Quintessential mixed bag. Some lovely touches in attack, including the delayed pass for Pater’s try, but also key errors, missing touch before half-time a big let-off for Ireland. Kicked well at posts and repeatedly punished the Irish.

11. Sam Winters – 7
Ate up metres when he got the ball and showed a turn of pace. Not always heavily involved but dangerous when England shifted it his way.

12. Will Knight – 8
Outstanding individual try, slicing Ireland open with a sharp outside step. Carried with intent and added a touch of Will Greenwood-esque class in the midfield.

13. Nick Lilley – 7
Some neat touches in the build-up play and a vital turnover on 78 minutes to snuff out Ireland’s last chance. Coughed one up earlier but contributed well.

14. Zac Finch – 7
Looked sharp when he saw the ball and was involved in the move that led to Pater’s try. Limited touches but positive ones.

15. James Pater – 8
Put under pressure by Ireland’s kick chase early, but his finish under the posts was clinical. Largely excellent in linking play and attacking the line.

Replacements – 6
No one had a huge impact, which became noticeable as Ireland chased hard late. Functional rather than game-changing, and England lost a bit of their early edge.