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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Your support makes all the difference.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:
H/T: England 3-27 France
That was some half from Gregory Alldritt, too. There had been a fair bit of discussion in France over the last two weeks about whether the La Rochelle number eight’s lack of form was a concern after his early withdrawal against Scotland - this has been one emphatic answer. Eleven carries, 80 metres, a smattering of tackles, a turnover, and then this try assist to cap his first 40 minutes:
H/T: England 3-27 France
There was so much focus on Marcus Smith ahead of kick off, understandably, but the England fly half has had virtually no quality ball to work with. France’s pack have been utterly in command at set piece and around the breakdown, where Jonathan Danty has also shown prominently.
H/T: England 3-27 France
France’s biggest ever half-time lead over England: 24 points is a fair reflection of their dominance so far. This has been the visitors at close to their best, clinical when they’ve had their chances, brutal around the fringes and tight defensively when required. England have played right in to their hands with inaccurate kicking and a lack of defensive intensity, and France are well on their way to a first Six Nations win at Twickenham in 18 years.
TRY! England 3-27 FRANCE (Charles Ollivon try, 40 minutes)
A third try to end the half for France!
This is turning into an English horror show. Ellis Genge is positively dismantled by Dorian Aldegheri at the scrum, drawing an advantage and creating the most inviting of blindsides. Gregory Alldritt can’t help but oblige, strolling into it as if he has the freedom of the city and tossing gleefully to his back-row chum, who rifles for the line between two English backs.
Thomas Ramos plants the cherry on a most delicious French first half cake with two more points off the tee.
England 3-20 France, 39 minutes
And even when a chance appears, England don’t have the accuracy to take it. France turn over possession slightly softly after a misdirected Antoine Dupont chip, and if Alex Dombrandt can gather a bouncing wide pass, there is great open expanse ahead of him with a couple of quick men for company. Dombrandt’s hands aren’t secure.
England 3-20 France, 38 minutes
Kevin Sinfield and Steve Borthwick look on glumly from the England coaching box as Max Malins is penalised for a high tackle. It’s not going well for the hosts.
England 3-20 France, 37 minutes
England charge down Antoine Dupont’s attempted box kick clearance, Jack Willis in the way of his Toulouse teammate’s effort, but are whistled soon enough as Ben O’Keeffe once more looks unkindly on a latching England player. Penalty to France.
PENALTY! England 3-20 FRANCE (Thomas Ramos penalty, 36 minutes)
Another good stroke of the right boot through the back of the ball from Ramos, who has had a strong opening 36 minutes.
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