New Zealand Provincial Barbarians v British & Irish Lions

Bath Rugby’s Taulupe Faletau, Jonathan Joseph and Anthony Watson helped to guide the British & Irish Lions to a gruelling 7-13 win on their first match of their tour of New Zealand.

It was Faletau, who made the first telling contribution as the number eight somehow managed to prevent the Barbarians’ Inga Finau crossing from what looked to be a certain try after 18 minutes.

With the Lions trailing 7-3 at half-time, Anthony Watson marked his debut in the famous red jersey by crossing the whitewash to put them in front on the scoreboard. Quick ball from scrum-half Greg Laidlaw fed Owen Farrell, who in turn passed to Watson and the Bath winger did the rest and finished in the corner with 51 minutes on the clock.

After Farrell’s subsequent conversion, the score remained the same, as the Lions held out to secure a hard-fought victory in Whangarei.

The Lions will now head to Auckland on Wednesday to face a Blues side that contains eight All Blacks in their starting XV.

For a full round-up of the Lions’ first match, read more here

England U20 v Wales U20

Bath Rugby’s Zach Mercer and Josh Bayliss once again played their part as England U20 secured a bonus-point 34-22 victory over Wales in the World Rugby U20 Championship in Georgia.

It was Bayliss, who helped England on their way with a great offload on the wing to release winger Gabriel Ibitoye, who notched his third try of the tournament. Both Bayliss and Mercer had a helping hand in Ibitoye’s second score, as the Harlequins flyer touched down in the corner to give his side a 21-3 lead after half an hour of play.

Wales staged a second half fightback to come within eight points on the scoreboard, but an Alex Mitchell try and drop goal from captain Max Mallins helped secure England U20 their second successive victory in the competition.

Next up for Mercer, Bayliss and England U20 is Australia U20 on Thursday (kick-off 17:30 BST), as they look to secure their place in the knock-out stages. Bath's Darren Atkins will also join up with the squad after being called up as an injury replacement.

For a full round-up of England U20s triumph against Wales U20, click here

Bath Rugby on tour

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