In a thrilling showdown between England A and Portugal, witnessed by a roaring crowd of 15,123 fans, the home team asserted their dominance right from the kick-off.
Hooker Jamie Blamire kickstarted the scoring frenzy within a mere three minutes, seizing the opportunity from a powerful rolling maul. England’s attack, masterfully orchestrated by scrum half Harry Randall’s lightning-fast distribution, spanned the width of the field. Tom Pearson and Alfie Barbeary swiftly piled on, securing a formidable 10-0 lead.
Portugal faced an uphill battle, exacerbated by Manuel Vareiro’s yellow card, which further tilted the scales in England’s favor. Rusiate Tuima and Will Muir capitalized on the numerical advantage, exploiting gaps in the Portuguese defense with precision. By halftime, England had surged to an imposing 50-0 lead, courtesy of clinical finishing from Josh Hodge and Jonathan Joseph.
The second half unfolded much like the first, with England maintaining their stranglehold on the game. Sam Riley and Jamie Shillcock extended the lead through sheer determination, while Portugal’s spirited resistance, epitomized by Vareiro’s lone effort, was commendable but ultimately insufficient. England’s defense remained steadfast, denying Portugal any significant opportunities.
As the match drew to a close, Oscar Beard, Greg Fisilau, and Cadan Murley added further polish to the scoreline, securing an emphatic 91-5 victory for England A. Throughout the contest, England’s cohesion and defensive prowess showcased their superiority, leaving Portugal with little room to maneuver.
#1. Alfie Barbeary
Despite being sidelined from the initial Six Nations squad due to suspension, this impactful performance against Portugal is likely to earn the attention of selectors, potentially leading to a call-up to the senior England squad for the talented Bath No 8.
His recent outstanding form for the club reaffirms his push for international recognition, a goal he has frequently appeared destined for. Following a conversation with Borthwick at a health food cafe, there’s a strong indication that the young player has secured a spot in the head coach’s long-term plans.
From his days as a schoolboy centre, this 23-year-old has been hailed as one of English rugby’s most promising talents. He initially caught the eye in Wasps’ academy as a dynamic hooker but has since flourished into a formidable No 8 at Bath, showcasing his versatility and strength in the back row.