England 26-25 France: Final-gasp Elliot Daly strive seals dramatic Six Nations victory at Allianz Stadium

Final-gasp Elliot Daly strive sees England to bonus-point Six Nations win over France at Twickenham; Ollie Lawrence, Tommy Freeman, Fin Baxter additionally rating for England; Louis Bielle-Biarrey (two), Damian Penaud scored tries for off-key France, who seemed to have gained earlier than late Daly effort

An outstanding England efficiency noticed them get their Six Nations marketing campaign again on observe in opposition to an error-filled France, sealing a 26-25 victory at Twickenham courtesy of a last-gasp Elliot Daly strive. 

Louis Bielle-Biarrey scored for France with 5 minutes to play to seemingly steal a dramatic win in rain-sodden situations, however England had different concepts.

Centre Ollie Lawrence, wing Tommy Freeman and substitute prop Fin Baxter additionally scored tries for the hosts as they fought again from six factors down within the second half to guide by a degree with 9 minutes to play in opposition to a heavily-fancied French aspect.

Wings Bielle-Biarrey (two) and Damian Penaud scored tries for France, with full-back Thomas Ramos including 10 factors by way of his boot.

Marcus Smith missed 5 factors off the kicking tee, whereas within the absence of the suspended Romain Ntamack, Antoine Dupont was shifted out of place to fly-half for France within the second interval, however they had been by no means at their fluent greatest.

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France settled into the competition in possession faster, however a collection of dealing with errors within the situations denied them an early opening rating.

Centre Pierre-Louis Barassi despatched an unsympathetic go infield which Bielle-Biarrey could not declare, second-row Alexandre Roumat dropped the ball within the England 22, Dupont could not maintain onto a go within the nook and Penaud twice spilled ball on the assault – the second with a seemingly sure strive on out left. Ramos additionally missed a penalty from immediately in entrance.

Finally the French waves gave technique to a rating on the half-hour, as an England error in gifting possession again to Les Bleus noticed Dupont decide up a poor Yoram Moefana offload which fell to deck, dash to the skin of Fin Smith and discover Penaud on the within. The wing then produced a intelligent kick forward which Bielle-Biarrey confirmed scorching tempo to achieve and floor.

England’s response to that strive concession was very good, nonetheless, as Marcus Smith, Freeman and Alex Mitchell every offered impetus going ahead, forcing protecting France prop Jean-Baptiste Gros to hold again over his try-line.

From 5 metres out, relentless England assault fuelled with luggage of power finally introduced them stage – Lawrence handing off Ramos and operating in after a Fin Smith spillage was checked by the TMO for a knock-on however confirmed as backwards.

France began the second half in a lot the identical manner that they had the primary: making errors.

Roumat knocked on once more within the England 22, hooker Peato Mauvaka dropped a Bielle-Biarrey go when being performed in for a strive, whereas No 8 Gregory Alldritt additionally spilled possession beneath little strain.

On 50 minutes, the boot of Ramos edged France into the lead with the house aspect caught offside, however England – as they did all through the Take a look at – responded positively with Maro Itoje getting over the ball for a breakdown penalty.

The hosts turned down a shot at posts and likelihood to stage the sport to go to the nook, however it proved the improper name when Mauvaka accomplished a turnover.

A France scrum penalty gained in opposition to the pinnacle noticed Ramos stretch the result in six factors, however inside two minutes Freeman soared to say an excellent Fin Smith cross-field kick which remoted Bielle-Biarrey.

Marcus Smith poorly missed the conversion broad for the lead, and earlier than lengthy France scored once more by means of a Penaud strive within the nook on 61 minutes.

Smith missed an opportunity off the tee to chop France’s lead again to a few factors with one other poor kick, however with 9 minutes to go Baxter pressured his manner over – Fin Smith changing for a one-point benefit.

Bielle-Biarrey then appeared to win it as France ruthlessly punished England errors, however a scrum penalty set England up for one final assault, with substitute Daly exploding onto the ball and over to substantiate victory.

Borthwick: England’s ceiling is very large

England head coach Steve Borthwick chatting with ITV:

“You need issues to occur immediately. This England staff goes to be a particular staff, there’s lots of younger expertise. Their ceiling is so excessive, however what you have to do is maintain working arduous.

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England head coach Steve Borthwick says England’s Six Nations win in opposition to France was an incredible spectacle at Twickenham

“In the present day, you noticed some issues enhance, you noticed their bravery, braveness with the ball – they’re a staff who wish to rating tries. We scored 4 tries in opposition to an excellent France defence and restricted them to a few.

“It was an thrilling Take a look at match, I am delighted for the gamers and exceptionally comfortable for the supporters, who’re at all times magnificent behind this staff and produced a particular ambiance.”

Participant of the match Fin Smith salutes England battle

England fly-half Fin Smith chatting with ITV:

“It was backwards and forwards. We’ve misplaced loads of video games and by chance this one went our manner at present. It was removed from good however that group fought for it.

“We stored giving ourselves one other shot and we bought ourselves over the road in the long run. Unbelievable ambiance, I’m delighted with that.

“Pleased with it, I felt like a rabbit within the headlights within the first half. However I discovered my ft in the long run, and I’m delighted with the win greater than something however that is cool for a primary begin anyway.”

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England lock Maro Itoje says the 26-25 win in opposition to a gifted France staff is particular

What’s subsequent?

Following the primary relaxation week, England are in motion on Saturday, February 22 for the third spherical of the championship, internet hosting Scotland at Twickenham (4.45pm kick-off).

France subsequent journey to face Italy on the Stadio Olimpico in Rome on Sunday, February 23 (3pm kick-off GMT), in Spherical 3 of the Six Nations.

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