FRANCE LEFT IT until the death to claim victory as they emerged 26-24 winners after a Six Nations classic in Paris.
In a thrilling encounter at the Stade de France, we were served up a reminder of the magic that this superb competition can produce. Philippe Saint-André’s side looked the more likely winners when leading 16-8 at the interval, but England fought back in the second half to suggest that they could claim the spoils.
However, a magnificent 77th minute try from substitute Gaël Fickou secured the win for Philippe Saint-André’s ambitious French team.
France tired noticeably in the last quarter, as the away side’s superior fitness levels looked like being decisive. But it was Les Blues‘ replacements who were crucial to the winning score, with Dimitri Szarzewski fixing his man superbly in the lead-up to Fickou’s decisive involvement.
In a game that ebbed and flowed with breathtaking speed, the sheer physicality and ambition in attack from both sides contributed to an unforgettable spectacle. It was the French who managed to create those sparks more often overall, with Huget’s second try after 17 minutes stemming from an excellent counter-attack, including a well-judged chip by Brice Dulin.
YouTube credit: RBS 6 Nations
England will be disappointed with some of their hesitant defending in wide channels, with debutant Jack Nowell enduring a particularly difficult time on the wing. Determined tries from Mike Brown and Luther Burrell – courtesy of a barrelling run and offload by Billy Vunipola – had swung the game back into England’s favour heading into the closing 20 minutes, but France refused to buckle.
YouTube credit: RBS 6 Nations
Substitute scrum-half Maxime Machenaud contributed a penalty to keep Saint-André’s side in touch, before three points from the boot of Alex Goode ensured that France would need a try to claim the victory. Fickou delivered on that count.
It was a cruel end to the game for Lancaster’s men, with Machenaud’s conversion confirming that they would be consigned to defeat. England deserve applause for the part they played in a game that will be hard to match this season for sheer excitement. Both sides on show at the Stade de France demonstrated certain frailties, but equally showed their mental and technical strength.
France scorers:Tries: Y Huget (2), G Fickou
Conversion: M Machenaud
Penalties: JM Doussain (2), M Machenaud
England scorers:
Tries: M Brown, L Burrell
Conversion: O Farrell
Penalties: O Farrell (2), A Goode
Drop goal: D Care
France: B Dulin; Y Huget, M Bastareaud (G Fickou), W Fofana, M Medard; J Plisson, JM Doussain (M Machenaud); T Domingo (Y Forestier), B Kayser (D Swarzewski), N Mas (R Slimani); A Flanquart (Y Maestri), P Papé; B Le Roux (A Burban), Y Nyanga, L Picamoles (D Chouly).
England: M Brown; J Nowell (B Barritt), L Burrell, B Twelvetrees, J May (A Goode); O Farrell, D Care (L Dickson); J Marler (M Vunipola), D Hartley (T Youngs), D Cole; J Launchbury, C Lawes (D Attwood); T Wood, C Robshaw, B Vunipola (B Morgan).
