By Graham Thomas
Sam Riley is hoping the feelgood factor – as well as the know-how – from his Harlequins connection can fuel him all the way to a Six Nations title.
The England U20 hooker has already seen his club lift the Premiership crown after their thrilling win over Exeter Chiefs last weekend.
That victory was followed by the news that four Quins players were called into the senior England squad and the satisfaction has filtered through to Riley, who faces Ireland U20 on Thursday night in a match that is live on S4C Clic.
Riley was already having a good weekend after he was voted man-of-the-match for the Red Roses and also claimed the try of the round award for his touchdown in England’s 31-12 victory over Scotland last Friday night.
Now, comes the fixture most pundits believe will decide the U20 Six Nations title – a showdown with Ireland, who also have two wins from two, at Cardiff Arms Park.
“One of the lads (wing Arthur Relton) plays from Exeter so we watched it together at the hotel,” says Riley of the monumental English club showpiece final last Saturday, won by Quins, 40-38.
“I was on edge the whole time. But I was glad it was post-game for us, so at least I could chill out watching it, instead of losing all my adrenaline.”
Riley has already seen fellow Quins forward Alex Dombrandt graduate to the full England set-up and is clear that being with the new champions can only help his push for more recognition at both national and club level.
“I think being at the Quins really suits my game. I look at players such as Louis Lynagh and Alex Dombrandt and think that’s where I could be.
“There is a clear pathway which is great. You just need an opportunity to show what your capable of. Hopefully I can do that with the U20s now and push on next year.”
Riley – who emerged as a back rower before being converted to hooker – is likely to be a key component again in a fluid and well-drilled England pack against the Irish.
But the 20-year-old recognizes Ireland – who despatched both Scotland and Wales with some comfort – are likely to offer firm resistance.
“They’ve had two strong wins, we’ve had two strong wins, we will try and identify their weaknesses and go to war with them.
“You never know in these tournaments, it is important to not underestimate anyone.
“It will be a real challenge and different to the other games. Ireland are ruthless, but we can also be ruthless. Our backs can do a lot for us and if we can match them physically it will put us in a good position.”
Title decider? @IrishRugby ☘️ and @EnglandRugby put their unbeaten starts on the line in the #SixNationsU20
Buckle up, it’s going to be a fun ride pic.twitter.com/WhI9rDUO7A
— Six Nations Under-20s (@SixNationsU20) July 1, 2021
Riley will bring a bit Irish knowledge into his game on Thursday as well as some local know-how in Cardiff.
Former Ireland hooker Jerry Flanney and Wales scrummaging legend Adam Jones – who had a spell with Cardiff Blues after leaving the Ospreys – are both on the coaching staff at Quins.
“Adam’s really good working with the scrum, he knows everything about it. He always saying what I’m do well and telling me things I can work on,” adds Riley..
“I also have a good relationship with Jerry Flannery, a fellow hooker who has been helping me with my throw, as all young hookers would say the throw is their Achilles heel. I just want to go from strength to strength.
“It is great to pick the brains of those two and also Nick Evans in attack, he comes up with some amazing plays.
“It is a great platform for me to take stuff into the U20s. It is important to adapt what you learn to all the different environments I play in.
“You can pick up a lot of dark arts from asking questions to everyone. “
‘ !
The Ireland U20s, sponsored by @PwCIreland, continue their #U20SixNations campaign against England this evening at 8pm #ShoulderToShoulder #IrishRugby #IREvENG pic.twitter.com/SlR1KyKowR
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) July 1, 2021
Ireland wing Ben Moxham is confident, however, that it will be Ireland who emerge from this game with three wins on the board and in sight of repeating their age group Grand Slam of two years ago.
Moxham – who has already got Guinness Pro 14 experience under his belt with Ulster – say: “England look pretty sharp and really good to be fair to them.
“They’ve taken their chances and scored some good tries. Their 15 likes to kick so we’ll have to be on the money for that as a back three, but I think we’ll be ready for that.”
S4C Clic – Ireland U20 v England U20 – 8.00pm.
Watch live on the S4C Clic Player, from 8.00pm on Thursday. To access S4C Clic, visit www.s4c.cymru/clic/or download the S4C Clic app.
Match coverage on S4C Clic will have the option for Welsh or English commentary. Quick, free one-time registration required to use S4C Clic