Englandindeed, was in crisis, and that crisis it was greater even than what could be deduced from his irregular play and results. Francea much more worked team and concentrated, that has between eyebrow and eyebrow world of the one who is going to be the host in six months, he made it clear by endorsing the XV de la Rosa a historic, epic and overwhelming defeat. Until now, in the entire history of the V and VI Nations (from 1947 onwards), France had only managed to win in London in 10 occasions: 1951, 55, 67, 75, 77, 82, 83, 87, 97 and 2005. The gala difference record occurred precisely in the first of those confrontations: eight points (3-11). 72 years later that record has been broken with an overwhelming 10-53 (essays 1-7). It is also the largest French victory over England in absolute terms.
If everything that happens in the VI Nations becomes rugby history, there is no doubt that this triumph will remain in the legend of the oval sport. England tried to shake off Gallic rule, certainly, but the difference was too big enough for the brief phase in which she managed not to be dismasted to be significant. The ambient sound of twickenhamin which The marsellesa dominated the murmur of a depressed home crowd was the best summary of the game. On the grass a team was seen that proved to be several steps above the other prevail in all facets of the game: defence, scrum, forward, decision-making…
On the immediate horizon, France is putting pressure on a Ireland that tomorrow plays in Scotland in the fight for victory in the VI Nations 2023 and is obliged not to fail either against the emerging XV del Cardo or on the last day, against England. In the long term, he can look forward to the World Cup with confidence. The XV de la Rosa, once the bitterness of the bump allowed him to look forward, will find that his next game is against that Ireland that he won… France and that in six months he must face a World Cup in which he ‘defends’ the 2019 runner-up. In this match Steve Borthwick staged a ‘mini-revolution’, having unconvincingly beaten Italy and Wales and lost to Scotland. It hasn’t worked.
At the end of the match, England made a corridor to France. Rugby always maintains its values of sportsmanship and respect.
England: Ellis Genge; Jamie George, Kyle Sinckler, Maro Itoje, Ollie Chessum, Lewis Ludlam, Jack Willis, Alex Dombrandt, Jack van Poortvliet, Marcus Smith, Anthony Watson, Ollie Lawrence, Henry Slade, Max Malins, Freddie Steward. Also: Jack Walker, Mako Vunipola, Dan Cole, David Ribbans, Ben Curry, Alex Mitchell, Owen Farrell, Henry Arundell.
France: Cyril Baille, Julien Marchand, Dorian Aldegheri, Thibaud Flament, Paul Willemse, Francois Cros, Charles Ollivon, Gregory Alldritt, Antoine Dupont, Romain Ntamack, Ethan Dumortier, Jonathan Danty, Gael Fickou, Damian Penaud, Thomas Ramos. Also Peato Mauvaka, Reda Wardi, Sipili Falatea, Romain Taofifenua, Sekou Macalou, Maxime Lucu, Yoram Moefana, Melvyn Jaminet.
Marker: 0-7 Test and Tr. Ramos (m. 1). 0-10 Blow Ramos (m. 6). 0-17 Test Flament Tr. Ramos (d. 25). 3-17 Smith blow (m. 33). 3-20. Ramos blow (m. 35). 3-27 Essay Ollivon Tr. Ramos (d. 40). 10-27 Test Steward Tr. Smith (d. 47). 10-34 Test Flament Tr. Ramos (d. 56). 10-41 Trial Ollivon Tr. Ramos (d. 59). 10-48 Trial Penaud Tr. Ramos (d. 71). 10-53 Penaud Trial.
Referee: Ben O’Keefe (New Zealand).
