| England (13) 23 |
| Tries: Watson, Itoje Cons: Farrell2 Pens: Farrell 3 |
| France (17) 20 |
| Tries: Dupont, Penaud Cons: Jalibert 2 Pens: Jalibert 2 |
England overhauled a stubborn, skilful France to snatch victory in a see-sawing Six Nations match at Twickenham.
Eddie Jones’ side trailed 17-13 at the break after dazzling scores from Antoine Dupont and Damian Penaud had put France in front.
The hosts’ pressure told in a cagey second half as Maro Itoje barged over for a 77th-minute score.
Even then France threatened to land a decisive counter-punch but Brice Dulin’s break was snuffed out.
Wales’ win over Italy earlier in the day means England’s victory is too late to salvage a Six Nations title defence.
But victory went someway to re-establishing England’s credentials as the northern hemisphere’s superpower.
The 2019 World Cup runners-up had slipped to fourth, below France, in the world rankings after defeats by Scotland and Wales in their opening three games of this year’s campaign.
Today’s victory takes them back above their opponents to third.
But, with Wales and Scotland also upwardly mobile, any claims to being Europe’s number one side are far from conclusive.
More to follow.
