England came from behind to keep their Six Nations title hopes alive during a Saturday night epic against France at Twickenham.
After a scrappy start to proceedings, Louis Bielle-Biarrey opened the scoring for France when he latched on to a stunning Damian Penaud pass splitting the England backline.
It felt as if the floodgates could open thereafter, but it was actually the hosts who found the game’s second try, with Ollie Lawrence able to walk home shortly after an England scrum.
If the first half was entertaining, the second period was pulsating, with a real back-and-forth contest emerging. Damian Penaud’s try was cancelled out by Tommy Freeman’s effort, before Fin Baxter put England within touching distance 10 minutes from time.
Their chances of victory were slashed though when Louis Bielle-Biarrey scored France’s third try of the night, only for Eliot Daly to find the try line late on, with Fin Smith making no mistake with the kick.
Express Sport hands out player ratings from a titanic clash between England and France…
England player ratings vs France
Marcus Smith – 5
Would’ve been disappointed by his performance, even if he was playing slightly out of position. Missed the conversion for Freeman’s try and was once again wide of the mark for a penalty kick a few minutes later. Was taken off kicking duty after Baxter’s try.
Tommy Freeman – 7
Gave England renewed hope of a win when he dragged Fin Smith’s looping pass out of the sky midway through the second half.
Ollie Lawrence – 7
Won’t have scored a much easier try in his rugby career, but on a soggy evening in west London, he kept his eye on the ball to walk home in the first half.
Henry Slade – 7
Managed to stretch his legs a little more late on in the first half when the French defensive line was pushed further back. Kept the energy high heading into the second half.
Ollie Sleightholme – 6
A menacing figure in the England backline, but failed to clean up a bouncing ball just before Louis Bielle-Biarrey’s try.
Fin Smith – 9
Delightful pass through to Northampton team-mate Tommy Freeman, who did the rest with a tidy takedown. Showed his composure to step up and replace namesake Marcus Smith for kicking duties late on. Converted twice, kicked the winning points and deservedly picked up the Player of the Match award.
Alex Mitchell – 7
With all the limelight on his opposite number Antoine Dupont, England’s No.9 Alex Mitchell held his own. A livewire throughout.
Ellis Genge – 6
Didn’t particularly offer much before being hooked for Fin Baxter.
Luke Cowan-Dickie – 6
Disappointing with his line-outs. Steve Borthwick made the right call to take him out of the game.
Will Stuart – 6
A quiet afternoon for the Bath prop.
Maro Itoje – 6
First Test match win as England captain and the 30-year-old led by example throughout. Daly’s late try the slice of luck he’d have been crossing his fingers for.
George Martin – 6
Failed to match the pace of the game at times. A rare off day.
Tom Curry – 7
Backed up his solid showing in Dublin with another stylish performance in the France win. If England are going to do anything of note this year, he’ll be at the heart of it.
Ben Earl – 7
Didn’t stop working all evening and provided a crucial putdown when the game was in the balance late on. Crucial in winning the scrum penalty that eventually led to England’s winning try.
Tom Willis – 8
Another contender for Player of the Match and on another day he could’ve easily taken the award home. He broke French attacks up with ease and looked a natural on his first start for the Red Rose.
Replacements:
Elliot Daly – 8
Provided a much-needed burst of pace from the scrum penalty against tired legs to get across the try line and secure a stunning win for England.
Fin Baxter – 7
Bounced back after conceding a penalty shortly after coming on to squeeze home a resilient try.
Ben Curry – 7
Impressed off the bench and helped swing the game in England’s favour.
Jamie George – 6
Ollie Chessum – 6
Joe Heyes – 6
