In an electrifying Six Nations showdown at Twickenham's Allianz Stadium, England pulled off an unforgettable 26-25 victory against France, leaving 81,000 fans on the edge of their seats. The match reached its thrilling climax when Elliot Daly scored a last-minute try, flipping what seemed like a defeat into an exhilarating win. This victory was significant for England, as it came amidst a period of struggles in the tournament.
The game started with France in control, dominating possession and looking unstoppable, especially during the first half. Louis Bielle-Biarrey was quick to make an impact, putting France on the scoreboard after a clever offload from Antoine Dupont. England, however, wasn't about to let France run away effortlessly. A pivotal moment came with Tom Curry's incredible tackle, thwarting a threatening French offensive play.
England's Unyielding Resilience
England showed remarkable resilience, with Ollie Lawrence leveling the score thanks to a perfectly executed try right under the posts. Marcus Smith, taking on the kicker's role, made no mistake with the conversion. As the game progressed into the second half, France managed to regain their lead. Thomas Ramos's accurate penalties, combined with a try from Damian Penaud, had France looking confident once again.
But England was not done yet. Fin Smith, showing brilliance in playmaking, executed a cross-field kick that found Freddie Freeman, who touched down to close the gap. France, determined to maintain their lead, saw Bielle-Biarrey score again, appearing to put France in the driving seat. However, Daly had other plans.
The Decisive Closing Moments
With just seconds left on the clock, Daly made an incredible break, crafting a try that would not only seal a win but would also bring Twickenham to its feet. This crucial win was a breath of fresh air for coach Steve Borthwick, who had been under pressure given England's seven defeats in nine games before this thrilling encounter.
The match also highlighted some strategic decisions by Borthwick, such as placing Fin Smith at fly-half and experimenting with Marcus Smith at full-back. These choices seemed risky but paid off in the end. For France, despite their dynamic attack and display of skill, the game exposed issues with handling errors, particularly in critical moments.
This high-stakes match was broadcasted live on ITV1 and ITVX, allowing fans across the nation to witness a nail-biting rugby experience that will be remembered for years.
