Image Credit: Sky Sports
By Lee Clow
02 February 2020 | Guinness Six Nations
England started their Six Nations campaign with a heavy defeat to France at the Parc des Princes.
The game started brightly between both teams, but it was France who made the first break through as they scored a try within the first five minutes. Teddy Thomas superbly broke on the England defence before offloading the ball to Vincent Rattez who bundled the ball over the line. Romain Ntamack dispatched the conversion making it 7-0, shocking the England side, who are the bookies favourite to win the tournament.
Moments later, England were stunned again as France extended their lead as they won a penalty. Ntamack once again finished well from his kick as he made it 10-0 to the home side. Along with being penalised for the penalty, England were forced to make an early replacement as Jonathan Joseph replaced Manu Tuilagi.
With England rattled, France went from strength to strength as Rattez scored his second try of the game. A long TMO review was needed however the try stood allowing Ntamack to step up and dispatch his conversion, making the score 17-0 in the opening 20 minutes.
France totally dominated the remaining of the half and denied England any chance of getting back into it before the interval.
In the second half, England came out fast and looked for an early response. England failed to score keeping the score at 17-0.
In the 54th minute, France put even more distance between them and England as they scored their third try. Charles Ollivon managed to skip through England tackles and slide the ball over the line to make it 22-0. Following the try, it started to boil over between the teams, with the England players certainly frustrated. Ntamack once again dispatched his conversion making it 24-0.
England finally got themselves on the score sheet as Jonny May skipped through down the right flank and bundled the ball over the line. Owen Farrell converted from the following conversion making reducing the deficit to 24-7.
Moments later, May scored again for England as they promoted a possible comeback. May excellently beat four players before placing the ball over the line to score England’s second try. Farrell dispatched his conversion making the score 24-14 with 15 minutes to go.
Despite the late comeback, England could not mount further pressure on France. Farrell converted a last-minute penalty ending the game with the score at 24-17.
A hugely disappointing result for England who looked to respond following their defeat in the World Cup final back in October. The excellent victory for France jumps them into second in the table behind Wales.
What’s next?
England’s next game is against Scotland on Saturday while France play Italy next Sunday.
Comments