England vs France LIVE: Six Nations score and result as England fall to humiliating record loss at Twickenham
England 10-53 France: England were embarrassed as Les Bleus ran in seven tries to stun their hosts
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England suffered their largest-ever home defeat as they were obliterated 53-10 by a rampant France in their Six Nations clash at Twickenham.
England were booed off by a half-empty Twickenham crowd at full-time, with many having left as things went from bad to worse across the 80 minutes as Les Bleus ran in seven tries.
The hosts offered minimal resistance as they were outworked, outmuscled and outclassed – with Thibaud Flament, Charles Ollivon and Damian Penaud all scoring two tries, while Thomas Ramos got another –in a humiliation.
The defeat far outstripped the heaviest previous home loss, a 42-6 reverse to South Africa at Twickenham back in 2008.
Relive England vs France in the Six Nations, below:
Italy 0-10 Wales, 15 minutes
The Italian front row goes to work, drawing the sharp blast of the referee’s whistle and the chance to get on the board from the tee.
Italy 0-10 Wales, 14 minutes
A sharply taken punt for touch allows Italy to advance up to the fringes of the Welsh 22, but their wide handling is again strangely inaccurate as an overlap is briefly created.
Wales make a hash of their lineout, though, and Italy can build again from the scrum.
Italy 0-10 Wales, 12 minutes
By contrast, that should just swell Wales’ confidence, which was rather in need of repair. They work the phases just inside the Italy half, but eventually lose thrust in midfield after Wyn Jones is well held. Owen Williams kicks ahead and Italy reply with a powerful punt, with Wales then offside as Liam Williams produces a kick of his own.
Italy 0-10 Wales, 11 minutes
Kieran Crowley doesn’t look particularly amused as he gazes on from high in the Stadio Olimpico coaching box. Italy haven’t done too much wrong so far, but one cruel bounce and they suddenly find themselves ten points down.
TRY! Italy 0-10 WALES (Rio Dyer try, 10 minutes)
A horrible moment for Pierre Bruno! Oh, the bounce of a rugby ball...
With Welsh possession slow, Rhys Webb lifts a slightly directionless box kick up the left. Bruno appears to have it covered, hurtling across as it skips towards touch, but a horrible inwards hop leaves him totally helpless.
Rio Dyer is there to pick up the scraps, collecting and cantering around beneath the posts. Fortunate, maybe, but that’s exactly the sort of first ten minutes Warren Gatland would have wanted.
Italy 0-3 Wales, 8 minutes
Down the 16 burly blokes go, and down the scrum goes, but Murphy allows Rhys Webb to play away.
A better defensive set from Italy initially, holding their shape and making their tackles. Juan Ignacio Brex shoots out the line to hit the long-striding Mason Grady behind the line.
But the bounce of the ball fools Italy and Wales are in!
Italy 0-3 Wales, 8 minutes
A first muscular entanglement for the two front eights - or not, with Damon Murphy calling a halt before the scrum can set. Ah - a bit of blood on Simone Ferrari’s forehead.
He’ll be patched up by a medic.
Italy 0-3 Wales, 7 minutes
Another well executed restart drill from Wales, Rhys Webb this time directing his clearance in field. Edoardo Padovani takes confidently.
Italy spread it for the first time, looking to challenge the left edge, but an errant pass tumbles to floor and a stooping Juan Ignacio Brex fumbles off his shoelaces.
PENALTY! Italy 0-3 WALES (Owen Williams penalty, 6 minutes)
Simple enough for Owen Williams, right of centre and 20 yards out. Wales strike first.
Italy 0-0 Wales, 5 minutes
Joe Hawkins hits a hard angle back towards the lineout, chopped at the knees by an axe of a shoulder. Wales begin to build, though, punchy carries off Rhys Webb’s crisp pass and into the Italian 22.
Advantage coming, and Hawkins stabs into touch with an intended pursuer not quite reading his intentions. Back for the penalty, which Wales will kick at goal.
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