England’s Henry Slade is tackled
Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Rampant France ran in seven tries to overwhelm a ragged England 53-10, their biggest ever win over the English and first in the Six Nations at Twickenham for 18 years.
Tries by fullback Thomas Ramos, lock Thibaud Flament and flanker Charles Ollivon gave the visitors a 27-3 halftime lead.
England hit back with a Freddie Steward try but Flament and Ollivon both crossed again before winger Damian Penaud added two late scores as the shell-shocked hosts wilted in the driving rain.
France also stayed in contention to win this year’s title ahead of their final game against Wales, climbing to second in the standings behind Ireland with England fourth.
“It was a very special game for us and we tried to make it count,” Flament said. “We said in the week we needed this game.
“It was great to score. I was in the right place at the right moment, I am glad we won and it was a challenge at halftime to play like this for the whole game. We are in a good place.”
It was England’s third heaviest ever defeat in coach Steve Borthwick’s fourth game in charge.
“I am not going to sugar coat it,” England captain Ellis Genge said. “That is one of our worst performances and we were punished numerous times. We asked the boys to keep fighting and I think for 80% of it we were fighting.
“The momentum, it was against us for too long, we didn’t claw it back. I am not hiding away from it, we were well beaten today.”
Meanwhile Wales withstood a late Italy fightback to register their first win of a troubled Six Nations in Rome.
Returning scrum-half Rhys Webb inspired the 29-17 victory as Warren Gatland’s side triumphed in the basement battle to lift Wales to fifth in the table.
The Azzurri’s 10-year wait for a home Six Nations win continues after suffering a 25th successive tournament defeat in Rome.
Ireland and France have 15 points, although Ireland have a game in hand and play Scotland tomorrow.
Scotland (also with a game in hand) have 10 points, Wales five and Italy one.
In the final round next weekend Scotland host Italy, France host Wales and Ireland host England.
-Reuters/BBC
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