Huw Taylor stars for England in final run

Young Huw, who plays second row blindside flanker, also scored one of England's six tries.

The host nation led 31-3 at half-time in Monday's 39-17 victory over South Africa at the Manchester City Academy Stadium.

Shrewsbury-born Andrew Kitchener, Taylor's Worcester Warriors team-mate and an Adams' Grammar School Newport old-boy, came on for the last half-hour to steady the line out.

Lance Taylor, father of 20-year-old Huw, was part of a 30-strong group of family and friends cheering on the former Bridgnorth youngster.

But there was little time to celebrate as the players returned to their hotel before meeting Prince Harry yesterday.

It was prior to preparing for Saturday's final against Ireland, who beat Argentina 37-7 to book their place at the AJ Bell Stadium in Salford, Manchester (7pm).

Taylor Snr, aged 48, said: "There were fabulous scenes. The good thing about rugby is that all the supporters of all the teams sit together.

"It was great to see the fans of the other countries, such as Argentina, and it was all rather emotional.

"You think about the team's success, the lads' success and then hope no one gets injured."

But the euphoria was short-lived and thoughts quickly turned to the final.

Huw's father, who works as a regional director for housebuilder Persimmon, said: "The job's not done.

"They have gone there to win the World Cup and they have a chance. But Huw has been so calm and focused.

"He calms down immediately and is a very relaxed individual. He's very well-organised and well-disciplined.

"He's turning into an integral part of the team – he runs the lineouts, he's one of the leaders and he's one of the more experienced players.

"Because of his demeanour, people seem to go to him. I'm very proud of him."

Huw is the only player who has started every game in the under-20s this year – the Six Nations and the World Cup.

His try, England's second of the game, came in the sixth minute when Joe Marchant collected Johnny Williams's pass through the midfield.

The ball was recycled wide to Jack Singleton, who was held up after charging over the try line. From the resulting ruck, Taylor crashed over to make it 12-0.

Scoring a try wasn't part of the script, admitted Huw's father. Lance said: "You wouldn't have known he'd scored, he just put the ball down and ran back."

Victory was England's fourth in the tournament after beating Italy 48-10, Scotland 44-0 and Australia 17-13. The Taylor family connection with Bridgnorth RFC runs deep.

Huw played for the All Blacks from the age of five to 18 like older brother Ed, who is now a professional with Bedford Blues after captaining England Under-18s and 19s.

Their father Lance, also an ex-Bridgnorth player, is a former chairman of the minis and juniors section which has grown from 50 to 250, while wife Ellie is honorary secretary.

Huw still helps out coaching the minis and juniors now in his spare time. Taylor senior said: "It's just brilliant that a club like Bridgnorth can produce these players.

"They've looked after him and pointed him in the right direction. It's so good for the club and local area.

"Huw still goes down and helps with the minis and juniors – that's why they all love him – first-team players, minis, juniors and parents all say hello to him and he wants to go and coach."