England's fringe players were handed a golden opportunity to stake their claim for Steve Borthwick's Nations Championship squad in Vannes on Friday night.
Instead, a disjointed England XV slumped to a 35-19 defeat against a France XV side that looked sharper, more accurate and far more clinical throughout.
With Borthwick set to name his squad on Monday, some players boosted their chances. Others may have seen their hopes take a serious hit.
Here are five England stars whose auditions failed to impress.
5. Ted Hill
Few selections generated more intrigue than Ted Hill's inclusion at blindside flanker.
The Bath forward has enjoyed an impressive club campaign and many expected him to make a major statement. While Hill worked hard defensively, he struggled to impose himself on the contest as France's back-row regularly got the better of England around the breakdown.
With fierce competition from the likes of Henry Pollock, Sam Underhill and Ben Earl, Hill needed a standout performance. He didn't get one.
Replacement: Henry Pollock
4. Noah Caluori
The 19-year-old Saracens prospect arrived in France with plenty of excitement surrounding him after speaking openly about his ambition to play senior international rugby this summer.
There were flashes of quality. His footwork created opportunities and he looked dangerous whenever he found space. He also thought he had scored a superb try, only for it to be ruled out.
However, there were also signs that the step up may have come slightly too soon. While the talent is obvious, this display is unlikely to have done enough to force his way into Borthwick's plans for the Nations Championship.
England's evening was perfectly summed up by Benhard Janse van Rensburg dropping the ball over the try-line.
The South Africa-born centre was handed his first opportunity in an England shirt and looked eager to make an impact, but ultimately flattered to deceive.
A certain try went begging, and while he showed glimpses of power and intent, it was not the breakthrough display many were hoping for.
With Henry Slade waiting in the wings, Janse van Rensburg missed a huge opportunity to strengthen his case.
Replacement: Henry Slade
2. George Ford
George Ford's experience was expected to provide stability and control in a youthful England side.
Instead, the veteran fly-half endured a frustrating evening.
There was one moment of class with a brilliant 50:22 kick in the second half, but overall Ford struggled to dictate proceedings. France's defence gave him little time on the ball and several uncharacteristic handling mistakes crept into his game.
With Fin Smith now firmly established as England's first-choice fly-half, this was an opportunity for Ford to remind everyone of his quality. He failed to take it.
Replacement: Fin Smith
1. Marcus Smith
Marcus Smith desperately needed a strong performance after a difficult campaign, but this was another afternoon to forget.
The Harlequins playmaker showed flashes of his attacking brilliance and grabbed a try before half-time, yet too many costly errors overshadowed the positives.
Two kicks sailed directly into touch, with one handing France the territory that led to a try. His decision-making under pressure was inconsistent and his kicking game lacked accuracy.
Borthwick appears committed to Smith as a full-back option, but this was hardly the convincing audition England supporters wanted to see.
With the Nations Championship fast approaching, Smith's place may not be under immediate threat, but this performance certainly did little to silence his critics.
NAME EVERY ENGLAND CAPTAIN OF THE PROFESSIONAL ERA:
Since rugby turned professional in 1995, England have had a host of captains lead the team through World Cups, Grand Slams, Lions tours and some of the biggest moments in the sport's history.
From World Cup-winning legends to short-term stand-ins, how many England captains of the professional era can you name?
You have five minutes to name them all. Good luck!?