In a nerve-wracking Six Nations test match at Twickenham on Saturday 8 February, England pulled off an impressive last-minute win against France, securing a 26-25 victory.
In windy conditions and despite some good plays from Les Bleus, their handling mistakes and missed opportunities proved costly, with England ultimately securing a memorable victory.
England put pressure on France early on in the game, controlling possession and getting an early penalty in the first five minutes. However, fly-half Marcus Smith narrowly missed the kick.
France soon found their feet. In the 30th minute, Louis Bielle-Biarrey scored the game’s first try after a well-executed backline move sparked by Antoine Dupont.
Thomas Ramos missed the conversion, but France led 0-5.
England responded six minutes later, with Ollie Lawrence scoring a try following ongoing pressure in France’s 22.
M. Smith converted to level the game at 7-7 by halftime.
France retook the lead early in the second half with a Ramos penalty, making it 7-10.
The pressure was on as both teams scored tries. Tommy Freeman put England ahead with a solo effort down the wing, but Damian Penaud answered quickly for France, running into the corner to reclaim the lead at 12-18.
Finn Baxter crossed the try line and Fin Smith’s conversion gave England a 19-18 lead in the 70th minute.
France refused to back down. Bielle-Biarrey scored his second try of the game after a quick counterattack, and Ramos converted to restore France’s lead at 19-25.
With seconds left on the clock, England launched a final attack.
Elliot Daly received a long pass, fended off a defender and scored next to the posts. F. Smith’s conversion put England ahead by a single point at 26-25.
France pushed hard for a final attack, but England secured possession and F. Smith kicked the ball into the stands, marking an impressive victory.
In a post-match interview, England head coach Steve Borthwick said: “It was an exciting test match, and I am really delighted for the players and exceptionally happy for the supporters.”
He added: “This England team is going to be a very good team, there is a lot of young talent in this team, their ceiling is so high.”
After making his Six Nations debut and becoming Player of the Match, Fin Smith admitted it was “pretty cool for a first start” but he felt like “a rabbit in the headlights”.
He added: “It was far from perfect, but that group fought hard today, we kept giving ourselves another shot and another shot and it luckily got us over the line in the end.”
This victory could push England towards success in the Six Nations, while France will need to regroup and focus on tightening up their execution ahead of their next match.
