France vs England

Despite a good second half display, England slipped to a 25-13 defeat against Grand Slam champions France in a pulsating Stade de France.

Thereafter enjoyed a competent evening under the high ball in addition to countering usefully. Threw in reliably to an England lineout which functioned smoothly. Released Furbank with a lovely piece of footwork and well-timed pass to create his team’s best first half attack. 21. Harry Randall – n/a Lucky to avoid a card when referee Peyper found his clumsy aerial challenge on Mervyn Jaminet was the result of earlier French obstruction. 20. Alex Dombrandt – n/a The visitors sprung a surprise by using the Leicester prop from deep as an open-field ball-carrier where he beat four defenders and made 78 metres in the first half. 19. Ollie Chessum – n/a 17. Joe Marler – n/a Made an incredible cover tackle which prevented Romain Ntmack from scoring. As ever, England’s talisman put himself about in the loose forcing a couple of useful turnovers in addition to playing his part in the tight. Replaced by Elliot Daly – who then became the third specialist full back in the visitors’ back three – after suffering a wrist injury in the 27th minute.