There was disappointment for Warriors trio Fin Smith, Finn Theobald-Thomas and Tobi Wilson as England were beaten 30-22 by South Africa in their opening match of the Under-20 Six Nations Summer Series in Verona.
Smith started at fly-half for England and contributed seven points off the tee while hooker Theobald-Thomas and full-back Wilson both came off the bench in the second half.
Wilson won his first cap and had a brief but encouraging cameo as he helped to set up replacement wing Conor Oresanya for England’s third try a minute from time with a lovely delayed pass.
Bath hooker John Stewart and Leicester Tigers openside flanker Emeka Ilione scored England’s other tries but South Africa muscled their way to a win that would have been more emphatic had they not missed four kicks at goal.
England’s next match in the Summer Series against France, also at the Payanini Centre in Verona, on June 29 (kick-off 4pm BST).