08 March 2024 , 08:00
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England's U20 stars have been inspired by the successes of Chandler Cunningham-South, who received the call-up to the main squad after excelling in the youth ranks.
The next generation, coached by Mark Mapletoft, are looking to end Ireland's dominance of the U20 Six Nations when they meet at the Rec on Friday night. Both teams head into the game with perfect records from three games as the Irish eye a third successive Grand Slam.
Victory for the hosts though and they'll be 80 minutes away from a clean sweep with France to come in Round 5. The current crop are determined to keep their heads focused on the short-term whilst thinking of what could be just around the corner if they continue to excel.
Northampton Saints duo Henry Pollock and Archie McParland have been integral to the U20s success. Pollock, who was handed his Premiership debut at Leicester Tigers back in November, scored a hat-trick against Italy on what was his first outing for the U20s whilst McParland, who showed his quality at club level during pre-season, got on the scoresheet as Wales were beaten last month.
Pollock told Mirror Sport on the challenge of Ireland: "It is knockout rugby, we've been saying it all week. It is this game or no game. We're not getting ahead of ourselves by speaking about Grand Slams, but we know what Ireland will bring."
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McParland added: "There's a pretty good buzz around the group after three wins, we've got confidence going into the game."
Whist those involved in the U20s may not be household names they could be sooner rather than later. Cunningham-South, who will turn 21 later this month, is part of Steve Borthwick's squad who are preparing to face Ireland at Twickenham having impressed at Harlequins, his new home.
The hard-hitting back row has flown through the youth ranks and, despite playing U20s less than a year ago, is now pushing for more and more minutes with the main squad. Cunningham-South has featured in all three of England's Six Nations outings and Pollock and McParland know that recognition could be close if they continue to impact games.
Chandler Cunningham-South has enjoyed a rapid rise and is now part of the main squad"I think the way Chandler came from the 20s World Cup has given us extra confidence that we can do it as well," Pollock said. "If you get too ahead of yourself you'll never focus on the here and now, I think on behalf of the group we're all trying to think about the today."
McParland admits, even when players are being loaned out further down the pyramid to gain experience, that they know the landscape can change very quick, Cunningham-South being a prime example.
The scrum-half said: "It is in the back of your mind, but it is good to take it step by step. We do speak about it a lot here, how quickly it can change. One minutes you're in the U20s, playing in National 2 (the fourth tier of English rugby) and then in a couple of years you're playing for England. It can change very quickly but it is better to think short-term."
Archie McParland is an exciting prospect at scrum-halfPollock is among those who has enjoyed a breakout tournament, catching the eye previously when he enjoyed a loan spell at Championship side Bedford Blues. The 19-year-old admits his sole objective coming into this campaign was to nail down his spot with all the plaudits a welcome bonus.
He said: "I think it is going well. I wasn't expecting to get that Premiership debut so early, but lucky enough to get the opportunity. Before the 20s stuff I was just trusting Saints, trusted their system. Coming into the 20s campaign I wasn't expecting to get that much out of it, I just wanted to cement my starting shirt."
The exciting back row has garnered social media attention after clips went viral of him involved in scuffles where he was immensely outnumbered against Wales and the Scots. Pollock admits he's trying to find the balance but believes he produces his optimum level when he's challenged.
"I think I'm at my best when I'm aggressive or I'm confrontational," he admitted. "It is not something I go into the game looking for, but I'm not going to step back. It is a fine balance between what's right and what's wrong and I'm working on that."
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