By The Newshound
July 1 2002

In the first ever U21 world cup held in Johannesburg, South Africa, the England U21 ran in 11 tries to thrash the young Pumas 74-14. Three young Saints; Mark Soden, James Buckland and Brett Sturgess and assistant coach Paul Grayson helped England U21 to finish 7th overall. Mark Soden bounced back from his red card and subsequent suspension to lead the England U21's to a fine victory over the Argentina U21's.

Late replacement Brett Sturgess who only flew out to South Africa last week started the game at prop and was joined by his front row colleague James Buckland at hooker.

Assitant coach Paul Grayson was delighted by the fine win especilaly as the young England side had won the tecnical battle against the traditionally fierce scrummaging Argentines.

34 of England's points were scored winger by Simon Hunt with 3 tries, 8 conversions and 1 penalty. He is now leaving England to join French club Narbonne. He sounds exactly the sort of player who Wayne smith should be bringing to Franklins Gardens.

The England U21 record for the tournament was as folows:

Played 5 Won 3 Lost 2.

Group stages:
Eng 23 - NZ 27
Eng 41 - Italy 12
Eng 21 - Arg 17

3/4th place play off qualifier:
Eng 15 - Ire 28

7/8th place play off:
Eng 74 - Arg 14.