England got their international season under way with a strong 40-12 victory over the Barbarians at Twickenham on Sunday. They scored five tries, providing a good confidence boost ahead of the three match tour of South America.
The match started with a bang as England scored within 40 seconds, as Freddie Burns crossed after an electric dart down the wing by young flyer Marland Yarde. Yarde went on to score in the second half, as did Kyle Eastmond, Christian Wade and Billy Tweltrees.
The Barbarians disappointed for the most part, but scored late in the game through Springbok Schalk Brits and future England star Elliot Daly.
The fixture provided an opportunity for coach Stuart Lancaster to blood some new talent, which bodes well for the tour of South America, as there are 12 uncapped players selected in the squad.
Yarde impressed with his try, and his size could weigh in his favour according to Lancaster. “Closer to 100kg than 90kg, which means he can bump people off as well as run round them,” he said.
With senior players such as Chris Ashton, Toby Flood and Danny Care all being rested, it’s a great opportunity for the next batch of hopefuls to step up.
England play a combined South American team on Sunday, June 2nd, before a two-Test series against Argentina. The last time England toured the region in 2009 they lost 24-22 in Salta.
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