England player ratings vs France as Steve Borthwick’s men looked to make it three wins in a row in the 2023 Six Nations.
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However, it was the men in blue who were the better side from the first minute until the last with England giving up in the closing stages.
France’s Thomas Ramos opened the scoring with the first of their seven tries, followed by Thibaud Flament’s impressive power over the line.
Charles Ollivon then added a third try, putting England in their biggest half-time deficit at home with a 24-point difference.
Although Freddie Steward did manage to cross for England, France’s Flament and Ollivon both scored again, and Damian Penaud scored twice, securing France the bonus and a full five points for the victory.
This win ensures that France remains in the title race going into the final weekend, regardless of the outcome of Ireland’s match against Scotland on Sunday.
Unfortunately, England’s title hopes are dashed, as this marks their first Six Nations with two home defeats, following their initial loss to Scotland in the opening game.
Scroll down for the England player ratings vs France.
England: 10 (3)
Tries: Steward 47
Cons: Smith 47
Pens: Smith 33
France: 53 (27)
Tries: Ramos 1, Flament 25,57, Ollivon 40,58, Penaud 71,74
Cons: Ramos 2.25,40,57,61,72
Pens: Ramos 6,35
RUCK’S Player of the Match:
KEY STATS:
Carries: Freddie Steward – 9
Metres: Freddie Steward – 85
Offloads: None
Defenders beaten: Freddie Steward – 2
Tackles: Alex Dombrandt – 14
Tackles missed: Kyle Sinckler – 5
Turnovers: Maro Itoje – 1
Turnovers conceded: Six players – 1
Handling errors: Jack va n Poortvliet – 3
Penalties conceded:Kyle Sinckler – 3
Referee rating: Ben O’Keefe – 7/10
England player ratings vs France:
In six words or less.
15. Freddie Steward: England’s best player undoubtedly. 8/10
14. Max Malins: Miles off his best. Poor. 3/10
13. Henry Slade: Hardly saw him. Lasted 45. 3/10
12. Ollie Lawrence: Needed to see more. 5/10
11. Anthony Watson: Lovely step. Lack of ball. 5/10