U20s Six Nations: England's Will Parkin and Aiden Ainsworth-Cave look ahead to Ireland challenge

Back-to-back wins over Wales and Scotland have given England a strong start to this year’s Six Nations. A dramatic second-half comeback in muddy Northampton set the tone, before a dominant display after the break in Edinburgh underlined their resilience. They have now lost just once in their last 12 matches in the competition and have won their last five round three fixtures.

Ireland are rarely straightforward opponents. England won 19-3 away from home last year, but they are winless in their last three home games against Ireland in this championship. The most recent meeting in England, also at The Rec in 2024, ended 32-32 after a gripping contest.

Attack coach Will Parkin believes the first two rounds have provided valuable education for his group.

“Probably two different games,” he said. “Round one, you couldn’t have asked for much worse conditions. We learnt a lot about how to play in that. Against Scotland, our discipline probably stopped us getting the flow we wanted in phase play.”

Parkin has been encouraged by the progress made since the squad assembled in January, particularly in the unstructured moments.

“We put a lot of emphasis on counter attack and the unstructured part of the game. We saw some brilliant moments of that at the weekend.”

Ireland arrive after edging Italy 30-27 in Cork to secure their first win of the campaign, having pushed France hard in round one. Physicality and set piece remain hallmarks of their age-grade pathway and England know the battle up front will shape the contest.

Blindside flanker Aiden Ainsworth-Cave, who won more turnovers than any player in round one, expects a serious test.

“We know they’re a really great outfit,” he said. “They bring a really physical game with a lot of emphasis on their collision and set piece. From a forwards point of view, it’s about nullifying that and implementing our game.”

He also highlighted Ireland’s ability to mix their attack.

“They can go wide but they’ve also got the ability to be direct, so it’s about being flexible and reacting to whatever they throw at us.”

For Ainsworth-Cave, this campaign is another step forward after injury ruled him out for the entire 2022/23 season earlier in his pathway. Now starting at blindside, he has become a key figure in England’s pack with his work over the ball and mobility around the field.

Parkin’s longer-term focus reflects that journey. Winning the Six Nations matters, but development comes first.

“The most important thing for me is helping the players get better,” he said. “It’s great if we win the Six Nations, that’s a big goal, but I’d love to see Aiden playing in the Men’s Six Nations in two, three, four years’ time. That’s the most important thing.”

England are unbeaten in their last four Under-20 Six Nations matches at The Rec and will hope the home crowd can help maintain that record. Ireland’s recent resurgence suggests another tight encounter could be in store.