Jack van Poortvliet Leads England A to Triumph Over Ireland A in Thrilling Rugby Clash

England A: (14) 28 Tries: Hassell-Collins, Van Poortvliet, Fisilau, penalty Cons: Atkinson 3

Ireland A: (5) 12 Tries: Bolton, Gavin Con: Doak

In a rain-soaked battle at Ashton Gate, Bristol, Jack van Poortvliet delivered a standout performance, steering England A to a commanding 28-12 victory over Ireland A. The match kicked off with England taking an early lead as Ollie Hassell-Collins expertly finished off a clever tip-on pass by Charlie Atkinson, diving over in the corner. Ireland responded swiftly, with Shayne Bolton scoring out wide, though Ciaran Frawley's missed conversion kept England narrowly ahead.

Van Poortvliet, the England captain with 16 Test caps, then showcased his brilliance, slicing through the Irish defense and rounding the fly-half to score a stunning solo try. After the break, England had several missed opportunities but eventually extended their lead when Greg Fisilau capitalized on Irish weaknesses at the breakdown and ran clear for the team's third try.

Despite the scoreline, Ireland remained determined and managed a late consolation try through Hugh Gavin, who powered over from close range. This reduced the deficit to nine points, but England had the final word, securing a last-gasp penalty try after Irish captain Max Deegan was penalized for deliberately knocking on Jack Kenningham's pass to Hassell-Collins.

Line-ups

England A: Carpenter; Elliott, Ojomoh, Butt, Hassell-Collins; Atkinson, Van Poortvliet; Brantingham, Langdon, Kloska, Tizard, Lockett, Pearson, Kenningham, Barbeary.

Replacements: Oghre, Haffar, Green, Capstick, Fisilau, Porter, Shillcock, Hendy.

Ireland A: Daly; O'Brien, Postlethwaite, Gavin, Bolton; Frawley, Doak; O'Toole, Barron, Aungier, O'Connell, Murray, Deegan (capt), Kendellen, Jansen.

Replacements: Smyth, McCarthy, Jager, O'Tighearnaigh, Soroka, Gunne, Byrne, Gleeson.