Mercer to captain England U20s against Italy

Bath teenage sensation No.8 Zach Mercer will captain England U20s against Italy as they chase their third win of the tournament.
Mercer, who is enjoying a breakthrough season in the Premiership for the West Country, takes over from Ben Earl who suffered a tournament-ending knee injury against Wales.
The starting XV shows eight changes with Jamie Blamire, Josh Caulfield, Ben Curry, Ciaran Knight and Alex Mitchell all start for the first time in the match which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Mix.
In addition, Harlequins wing Sam Aspland-Robinson and Saracens’ Jack Nay return after missing the match against Wales in Colwyn Bay.
Saracens’ Dominic Morris also starts at outside centre to earn his third England U20 cap.
“Zach loves to chat among the group and isn’t afraid of expressing his opinion,” said coach Tom Williams. “That coupled with his leadership qualities and experience meant that he was the first name that came to mind when we lost Ben through injury.
Rory Brand, Max Davies, Marcus Smith, Marcus Street and Henry Walker are named among the replacements and could all make their U20s debuts.
Harlequins fly-half Smith and Exeter Chiefs front rower Street have been promoted from the England U18s squad after impressing in last week’s Premiership Academy Finals at Sixways.
England U20s: Tom Parton (London Irish); Sam Aspland-Robinson (Harlequins), Dominic Morris (Saracens), Max Wright (Yorkshire Carnegie), Gabriel Ibitoye (Harlequins); Jacob Umaga (Wasps), Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints); Ollie Dawe (Bristol Rugby), Jamie Blamire (Newcastle Falcons), Ciaran Knight (Gloucester Rugby); Josh Caulfield (Exeter Chiefs), Nick Isiekwe (Saracens); Jack Nay (Saracens), Ben Curry (Sale Sharks), Zach Mercer (Bath Rugby, capt)
Replacements: Henry Walker (Gloucester Rugby), Alex Seville (Gloucester Rugby), Marcus Street (Exeter Chiefs), Max Davies (Newcastle Falcons), Josh Bayliss (Bath Rugby), Rory Brand (London Irish), Marcus Smith (Harlequins), Joe Cokanasiga (London Irish)