France 33-31 England: Thomas Ramos kicks late penalty as hosts finish second

Thomas Ramos kicked the profitable penalty from the midway line as France edged England in a seven-try thriller to finish second within the 2024 Six Nations.

Marcus Smith stretched their lead however Leo Barre and Gael Fickou hit again.

George Ford transformed Tommy Freeman’s late strive as momentum swung England’s manner once more however Ramos had the ultimate say.

Both sides had their title ambitions dashed earlier than kick-off after Ireland retained their crown with victory over Scotland, however the event finale proved to be one of the entertaining video games.

France’s victory was their first at residence since exiting the World Cup quarter-finals with defeat by South Africa in Paris final yr.

England’s two bonus factors for trailing France by fewer than seven factors and scoring 4 tries for the primary time on this marketing campaign ensured they completed above Scotland in third.

Their finest Six Nations return since Steve Borthwick took cost as head coach follows a third-place finish finally yr’s World Cup.

The pendulum swings forwards and backwards in Lyon

Ford and Ramos exchanged early penalties earlier than Nolann le Garrec scored the opening strive with a scientific French moved he initially began inside his personal 22.

The scrum-half, deputising for France talisman Antoine Dupont, capitalised on England’s failure to retain their very own line-out to fireplace the ball broad as the hosts received round their guests for Barre to cost down the sector and cross again inside to Le Garrec.

Ramos’ assured boot offered the cushion however France’s continued attacking intent appeared to power England’s hand as Lawrence powered by means of on the stroke of half-time for his first strive after a neat cross by centre associate Henry Slade

He then doubled his tally moments after the interval by stretching over the road after some quick section play.

Traditional fly-half Smith, on at full-back to cowl the injured George Furbank, completed one other sweeping staff transfer as England seemed to avenge final yr’s file residence defeat by Les Bleus.

But the hosts remained within the battle and, as they did to overpower Wales final week, they emptied their heavyweight bench as the tide started to show.

England struggled to take care of their additional weight within the unfastened as Barre crossed earlier than one other failed line-out allowed Ramos to hack downfield for Fickou to collect and rating.

Borthwick’s aspect stayed true to their intent to assault, nonetheless, and Ford’s deft palms arrange Freeman to attain within the nook.

He added the conversion for a one-point lead however moments later Ramos landed the largest kick of the event from 46m.

Signs of promise for bettering England

England’s marketing campaign hit a street bump in opposition to Scotland at Murrayfield earlier than sparking into life with a shocking last-gasp win to disclaim Ireland the shot at a double Grand Slam.

The guests promised to observe up on final weekend’s attacking show in France however, for over half an hour, they appeared to revert to kind as Alex Mitchell and Ford typically seemed for territory with the boot somewhat than to run with ball in hand.

With 33 minutes on the clock France had coated 330m in comparison with England’s 166m.

But as Slade gave France’s defence the eyes to feed Lawrence flat to the road, England had the kick-start they wanted.

The velocity of ball improved after the break as the forwards punched holes within the French defence to manoeuvre area out broad, which Lawrence capitalised on as soon as extra.

Ellis Genge produced one in every of his finest shows in an England shirt as he impressed in opposition to the a lot heavier Uini Atonio within the scrum earlier than making a break for Ben Earl to energy by means of in midfield with a neat cross earlier than taking contact.

Earl burst by means of within the build-up to Smith’s attempt to England began to look snug. What will please Borthwick and assault coach Richard Wigglesworth most, maybe, was England’s perseverance with their ambition in possession – regardless of France powering again into the sport – demonstrated with Freeman’s late strive.

Promising indicators after an encouraging event of their first marketing campaign at first of a brand new World Cup cycle.

Line-ups

France: Barre; Penaud, Fickou, Depoortere, Bielle-Biarrey; Ramos, Le Garrec; Baille, Marchand, Atonio, Flament, Meafou, Cros, Ollivon, Alldritt (capt).

Replacements: Mauvaka, S Taofifenua, Colombe, R Taofifenua, Roumat, Boudehent, Lucu, Moefana.

England: Furbank; Freeman, Slade, Lawrence, Daly; Ford, Mitchell; Genge, George (capt), Cole, Itoje, Martin, Chessum, Underhill, Earl.

Replacements: Dan, Marler, Stuart, Roots, Dombrandt, Care, M Smith, Tuilagi.

Match officers

Referee: Angus Gardner (Australia)

Touch judges: Nika Amashukeli (Georgia) & Damian Schneider (Uruguay)

TMO: Ben Whitehouse (Wales)