France v England Six Nations Rugby

You only get one chance to make the first impression. Especially when

you are going for a job. Stuart Lancaster begins his regime with a

victory. But then some people give the impression of being one thing

When they are something altogether different. This is when France can

be dangerous. One of grants of's greatest artists was asked why he

continued to paint when every stroke cost him pain. He said it

was because the pain passes but the beauty remains. Is that how the

What to expect from this England team? Two wins when not playing

well and one defeat when playing better. Today is the acid test.

France against England always has that extra edge. Last time they met

was in New Zealand in the World Cup quarter final. England could have

won, but France dead. Which is more than they managed last weekend

against the Irish. Tommy Bowe's tries had England on the wrack. But

the balance between the forwards and the backs had to change. A

Sunday in Paris with boast sets of Vans unsure of what direction their

teams are going in. -- fans. They have yet to lose and a Philippe

Saint-Andre, but they have yet to inspire as well. There have been so

many famous battles here over the years. A winger would really set up

this squad for the future and it might make this man's provisional

appointment permanent. It is still a bit chilly here. But ground

conditions are perfect. The anticipation is high among just

everybody here. Not least a monster our observers. -- not least amongst

our observers. If England win today, will it Stuart Lancaster get the

job? He has introduced a culture of respect for the shirt that had been

lost. I do not think he is the favourite, but I would not be

against Lancaster being appointed if England do well in the next

games. From a French perspective, is it fair to the players are the

scapegoats last week? Last week, we wanted to play at kicking game and

the best two occurs were on the bench. -- kickers. Is it a boring

selection today? Yes, we did not come here to play an open game, we

came here to win the game which is important. What kind of a game will

it be? If it is a good game, I think England will win. They are

going to play a kicking game. I am disappointed with France. They soak

up the pressure, and when there is a mistake, the counter. When your

playing at home, I do not see the rationality behind it. Today, I

think we have the best two teams. Let's reflect on what happened

yesterday. The first game was at the Millennium Stadium. Wales going

Julia Roberts running 35 metres -- Not a great game in Cardiff, but a

really entertaining match in Dublin. Here is a Rory Best scoring the

first try for Ireland. Here is Richie Gray. Look at this for a

Richie Gray. Look at this for a sidestep again so the British Lions

fullback. Scotland were in contention at that point. But the

conversion hit the post. And then on the stroke of half-time, per is

concussed, severely concussed, but I am delighted to say that he is

I am delighted to say that he is much better today. Get well soon

from all of us. Wales yesterday, what do you think? As we expected.

The Italians played a frustrating game. We struggled to score. The

opportunities came and we took them. I do not think they will be happy

with their performance, they will have to pick it up for next week.

But are they have not won again. The Italians have never threatened.

They do not offer much in attack. It was an easy win for them

eventually, but a very frustrating 60 minutes. Threat this

Championship, or Wales it seemed to be getting progressively worse in

their performance. I think the pressure is slowly building. I hope

they can shake that next week. will have to pick their game up

against France. They have got to the stage where they have to vary

it a little bit. Plenty of time to talk about that at the end of the

programme. Let's move on to the England side today. There are four

players in the England side two of them South African-born. Mouritz

Botha and Brad Barritt are the latest men to embrace the red rose.

You both have a great deal in common, are you good friends?

Yes, we are a good team-mate. Being together in the England camp, we

have grown closer as well. I had a nose job a couple of years ago. He

came flying him when I was playing a Saracens. Did you feel bad?

Initially, then I got to know him. What do you think about them?

can always rely on him. If you can put your body on the line, the guy

next to you will respond well. You cannot always have of ball and that

is another way for you to stamp He is huge in the tackle. He put

his body on the line but getting around the pitch, he is very mobile.

He does the extra yards that you need. You were told at one point

that you would not make it as a player, how hard was it appear that

-- a to hear that? I was told that I was too small. Then I got a call

from a club and they were the only club to get back to me. I grab the

opportunity to go to them. You had to carry on working as well. Yes, I

was an officer assistant and I got made redundant. Then I was doing as

best as -- asbestos removals. that phone call came from Saracens,

how did that feel? I told my Boss I had to go and get my these assorted.

I drove down to say. -- St Albans. I was over the moon, cheering and

shouting. You have been described as the cornerstone of this new

England team. That is very flattering to hear. But each guy on

the team is putting in his mark. Each week, you go out there for

your country, and you are being judged. You are only as good as

your last game. How much does it mean to you to be standing there

with England, singing the national anthem? I am so much more

appreciative having had this long journey. It is amazing to see young

guys coming through the Academy and playing for their country. But I

know what is out there. I am just enjoying it so much more. For me,

it is the proudest moment of my career. I have always had a strong

allegiance to England through my family. If I can get back to the

country for giving me this opportunity, it is the least I can

Does it bother you the origin of the species? Not at all. You

qualify legally, and that is it. Personally, I do not think it

should go past your parents. I accept the laws and rules as they

are. From the point of view of coaching the team, is it a man died

and of England -- an indictment that if Stuart Lancaster does not

go the job, that England has to go outside of England to get a coach?

When you look at the professional game, you have got coaches from all

around the globe. I am not sure why there is such a big thing made of

it. Could you imagine France been coached by and non Frenchmen?

Sorry, we have got problems with your microphone. If it someone

comes, he has to be very good. were smiling there. You have got

Warren Gatland, does it matter? do not think it does. Warren

Gatland is doing a great job. As a coach, if you can get the best out

of your players, you are doing it. At this international level,

players should know what they are about. A little bit of advice here

and there, yes. I think Stuart Lancaster is doing a very, very

good job. It is at a revival stage. They look happy, they are very

young. Why change it? If they want to bring someone in, bring in Nick

great game against Wales. The back row - I want to see more from these

guys, especially Croft. I want to see him running with the backs.

Morgan can break the game. I would like to see more of Robshaw with

the ball. The half-backs, Dickson, a little dog, gets the ball away.

Farrell, so cool for a young man. I want to see him keeping the

scoreboard ticking over. Tuilagi, what a monster. 17 stone! I

wouldn't have wanted to face that. Sharples has been playing well for

Gloucester. I want to see ash ston scoring tries -- Ashton scoring

tries like we have seen him do before. What about Sharples,

Jonathan? I am sure he will shine. The problem I have with both sets

of backs - they have very big centres but the distribution skills

centres but the distribution skills aren't great. We haven't seen a lot

from the back three. With the kicking game today, maybe England

will have to look at the counter- attack. So they will have to go

back and help. It is going to be a very interesting game today.

Foden runs back, they are on a high. On too many occasions so far, Foden

has kicked it back rather than running it back. That is why we

have put Beauxis at number 10. is crunch time for one man in

particular today and he is with Sonia.

REPORTER: This is a big game, not just for England, but for you

personally. Do you view it that way? It is a big game for England.

I will take myself out of the equation. We are coming to the

Stade de France, I don't think France have lost here. We are

looking forward to it. A big day for Charlie Sharples. How has he

responded? He's been great. He's worked hard in training. He was a

big, big figure in the World Cup training camp as well. His

performances for Gloucester have merited it. Has this game an edge

after France dumped England out of the Rugby World Cup? There's not

been much reference to it. The biggest reference has been the

Wales game. It is about learning the lessons from that and

channelling it into this one. That is the focus of our attention. A

big eye on what France have done in the first three games. A big

challenge. It is great opportunity. Good luck.

From the coach to the captain, we have Lawrence Dallaglio with us as

our analyst. From Chris Robshaw's point of view, he's got off to a

reasonable start. What extra factors has he got to contend with

today? I think, you know, you are right, he has got off to a great

start. I thought he played well against Sam Warburton. Clearly,

he's only playing with his fifth or sixth cap today. Really, as a back

row, as a captain, you want to lead from the front. For me, it is about

ball carries, how much involvement he has in the match, really getting

his hands on the ball and until the introduction of Ben Morgan, one

thing we haven't seen from the England back row is them really

challenging and breaking the game lines. We want to see him carrying

the ball and being very destructive in the tackle. I used to feel if

you made double figures in terms of your tackle count, and you are

turning ball over, and you are carrying the ball, you will be one

or two players they will be talking about after the game. Robshaw has

done well with Harlequins. It is a massive game for him as captain,

but also this England pack. If England are to win the game, they

do have to dominate up front. Everybody else has had their say,

where do you stand on Lancaster for the coaching job? I think he's done

a good job. If England want to become the best team in the world,

you need someone with global experience, whether that ends up

being Nick Mallett or someone that perhaps the RFU are talking to

outside of the people that have put their names forward. The other

thing we need to consider is whoever takes the job, at the

moment they are unlikely to be English unless they give it to

Lancaster and you do need to retain some English people within the role.

Possibly this existing coaching team, someone coming in might say,

"I would like to keep some of you on board." OK. We will talk more

about that after the match. From the French perspective, let's talk

about this team that has been underperforming by large. I must

say, last week, we were talking complete and utter when we said

Gallion scored three tries in his first three matches. Will Greenwood

scored on their first four full internationals. -- scored on his

first four full internationals. Talk us through the 15 who start

Talk us through the 15 who start for the French today, Thomas.

Nicolas Mas, in the scrummage. Then we have Pascal Pape with his

experience. And then we have the diamond of the team, the three guys

- Thierry Dusautoir, a fantastic tackler, Imanol Harinordoquy and

Julien Bonnaire. Then Democratic Unionist Party and Lionel Beauxis,

great experience -- then Julien Dupuy and Lionel Beauxis. That is

Dupuy and Lionel Beauxis. That is the team. Here is their coach,

Philippe Saint-Andre. REPORTER: It's a tough month for

France, four games in as many weeks. Are you worried about fatigue?

I'm not worried about fatigue. When you play the crunch against England,

it is always a special game. We are very focused for the game.

change at half-back, why were Dupuy and Beauxis the right men for the

game? We wanted to challenge technically. In what way? England

are very strong. They play quite a lot of territory. They are a young

team. Also, we have some problem at the beginning of the game, so we

wanted a challenge. We wanted the challenge the scrum. You say you

have had a problem at the start of games, have you been starting too

slowly? Yeah, starting too slowly, playing too much in our 20 metres,

our kicking game was not good. England are very good on this. We

can bring something in the last 20 or 30 minutes of the game.

That was Sonia talking to Philippe Saint-Andre. She is now live on the

touchline. The photographers are waiting for the front-page shot

probably of Nicolas Sarkozy for tomorrow morning's newspapers. What

performance will this team lay on for their President today? I think

they will show him that they are really proud to wear the jersey and

are really here to play quick rugby and be very proud against England

and play the best rugby ever. We are in a presidential election,

that is why Nicolas Sarkozy is there to support the French team.

You once spent a whole afternoon here knocking seven bells out of

Jonny Wilkinson. Do you think the French team will be doing the same

to Owen Farrell? Owen Farrell is very young and talented number 10.

To be fair, this Six Nations has been a bit slow. I don't think they

will be rushing the defence like we did in the past. Thank you.

JOHN INVERDALE: A great scarf! Jonathan, you have been desperate

to say something about the French team? England raised their

performance against Wales. Through certain corners of the media, they

really raised their game defensively. They have done - they

have improved performances per game. Against this side, they have to go

up another level if they think they are going to win. There is a leader,

Thierry Dusautoir. In behind Robshaw, Owen Farrell has to lead

as well. Is this another stage on the learning process for him today?

It is. Every game will be. You just feel this kid will take everything

in his stride. What I would like to see him add to his game will be to

have the confidence in giving the ball out. What a great shot that

was. The two teams enter the arena. There is something about France

against England. You have played in so many of these games, what is it

like from an English perspective? It is a huge challenge. It is one

that I loved. You didn't know what you were going to come up against.

It was a special time, particularly in Paris, to try and get behind

their team. It is always a special game when we play against England.

It is such a place to come. The first 20 minutes, France has come

to play, it is the toughest 20 minutes in international rugby. You

are chasing shadows. I won't ask these two guys - who will win,

Jonathan? France! He knows about rugby! Now the anthems. # God save

our gracious Queen # Long live our noble Queen

# God save the Queen # Send her victorious

# Happy and glorious # Long to reign over us

# Le jour de gloire est arrive # Contre nous de la tyrannie

# L'etendard sanglant est leve # Entendez-vous dans les campagnes

# Mugir ces feroces soldats # Ils viennent jusque dans vos bras

# Egorger vos fils et vos compagnes # Aux armes, citoyens

# Formez vos bataillons # Marchons, marchons

# Qu'un sang impur warm, but certainly not frozen.

France are home to England. The England team coming here to face

the mighty France. Parling and Botha in the second row. The

England bench - Charlie Hodgson will be the replacement outside-

half. The French team nothing but the familiar there with the

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possible exception of the young French for that high ball. That was

good speed. This is where England have to put her hard work in. If

the French get on top in the scrum, been evident this weekend continues.

given England a very good attacking opportunity. Tom Croft was first in.

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That is a Julien Bonnaire looking end what was an inventive passage

of play for England. France have a ceiling the gaps very quickly. They

were closed down very quickly. -- sealing the gaps. But England

cannot afford to waste too many of those. On the other hand, there is

the theory that if you can contain France for the opening 20 minutes,

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anything will become possible. Not been in England territory. A

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tremendous pace of hitting by more numbers him. Make sure they

are immediately over the ball. France are deliberately going

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the referee was competitive with his touch judge or making a

away with a bit more than they have done. Well, it has been open enough.

England have to make sure that they take away one of the French flanks.

They will not do that if the make unforced errors in the mother the

they just dead. -- in the manner there. England are getting an early

obviously a planned move. I do not know why there was not a man on the

penalising is out with the scrum. It gives you no advantage at all.

It is going to be difficult for England anyway here, they cannot

afford to allow France to take the for a cheeky one. The opt instead

for the conventional. Not quite conventional. The right-footed

but play goes on. The high tackle is penalised. Interesting line of

defence is there. What do you think in the end. The referee

decides. The fact is that England are under pressure again for

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something which was of their own I agree with the decision, but not

for that reason. I think Wesley Fofana turned the wrong way and did

not let go of the ball. No crossing put... Nicolas Sarkozy. It is

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election time. But he has been nothing, England take the lead at

the Stade de France. I could just see who it was that Kim in I made

little bit to see who made the defensive effort for England. Had a

lot to do, Tuilagi. EDDIE BUTLER: Chris Ashton with the

tackle, I think. That is good pace from Tuilagi. For 17 stone, yes!

think he got the centre of -- got a scent of the try line and nothing

was going to stop him. Thierry Dusautoir recaptured the ball, only

to see it dislodged back England's way. Owen Farrell with the

try. REFEREE: When I give you a mark for

the penalty, don't go four or five yards past.

Farrell warned from where he was taking the penalty from, I think.

France are down by seven at home to England. Huge height on the restart.

well. The game is aerial. Here is Charlie Sharples. Woops. That is

perhaps why we have seen so much kicking. That is lazy. Here we see

the ball coming out - look how many men are over there. It's a crucial

hit. That more than anything was responsible for England's score. It

was well finished by Tuilagi, but it was an important hit, stepping

off the wing. How often do you see this happen - sides making a score

and giving a shot at goal away which might negate three of the

points that England have worked hard to put on the board? Mouritz

Botha didn't go back round, he took a shortcut and came in from the

side. If you are going to let Lionel Beauxis kick, it has to be

better than that up and under. That is a very good place kick by

Beauxis. Lawrence, 7-3, impressions?

LAWRENCE DALLAGLIO: England up and running on the scoreboard. Tuilagi

had all to do. He has Rougerie and he took a jump in the air which

stopped him from getting around both ankles. Very clever from

Slips out two tickles, three... Gets the pass away and England have

scored! Brilliant by England! Brilliant by Ben Morgan. This is an

England team that couldn't score tries, couldn't attack, and yet

they have fashioned two counter- attacks. 14 points within the first,

what, 16 minutes. That was Su -- superb work by Morgan. Tenacious

work by Foden as well. It's the support, the commitment to get on

the shoulder. Farrell again adds the two points and England two

tries to the good - 14-3 here. It comes from a kick that led to

trouble. If Beauxis is going to play a kicking game, he has to play

a proper kicking game and not one that is going to put France into

trouble. On the other side, you could say actually, as last week,

the French chase of the kicks has been, at best, poor. There's Morgan

again. He did ever so well. Ashton tackled. It is looking promising

for England as they come forward. Brad Barritt feeds Farrell. That

will do. It will. It gives England a chance to attack the French line-

out. There wasn't an extra man there. And whatever happened, it

makes sure England are at the right out of this? Harinordoquy catches

safely. A simple move, up-and-down, but he is so quick off his feet. It

is impossible to follow. He's one of the best in the world at that.

How much ground has Beauxis made with that clearing kick? Not bad,

but it still leaves England in a good attacking position. It leaves

England where they want to be, in French territory and out of kicking

range if you want to be negative. England cut the numbers in the

line-out. Ben Morgan makes his way out into midfield. There he is.

Between the halfway line and going back towards the ten metre line.

Chris Robshaw is out there, too. That is interesting. A great start

wrong with the tackling, it is the fact England are playing the

runners and the angles and finding great shame from an England point

of view. Dickson had, well, a clear field in front of him. I don't

think Mouritz Botha is well. He is struggling. He took that in front

of the goal-line. Good covering is OK.

BRIAN MOORE: I'm not worried about his neck, he has no sensation in

his arm. That is OK, then(!) physio is having a look at him.

is a very good physio. Ben Morgan in full flow. Lawrence?

LAWRENCE DALLAGLIO: If we look at the two sides of Ben Morgan, when

he got the first touch of the ball here, he gets the ball and his

first option is to pass the ball and Chris Ashton is standing in

front of him. He has all the space to run into. All he does is pass

the ball. On this occasion, England's attack peters out into

nothing. This time, do what you do best, Ben, five defenders, swaps

the ball and hands it over for the England try. Fantastic piece of

play. EDDIE BUTLER: Morgan and Foden.

England have conceded the penalty and France push them back into

their own half. Still looks very ginger so me, Botha. Who is that?

done throughout the whole of the Six Nations... Ooh! Terribly

laboured in midfield and they end up putting the boot to it again.

They had to put the boot to it because it's been sent backwards.

That's forward! It was. They are not getting anywhere. That is where

England are getting up in their faces. I go back to the point,

Eddie, when you made the criticism of the French tackling, I don't

think France have been missing their tackles, England are just

playing more intelligently at the moment. I just think there is

something missing from the French team at the moment, a clebg sieve

confidence in defence, certainly in -- a collective confidence in

defence, certainly in attack. don't seem to have a commitment to

the way that France can play and using Fofana, and players like that,

to get over the game line. Tell me that's not an early drive!

He has said to both sides - why doesn't he penalise somebody? That

is the law. Perhaps he wants a feel of who is in the ascendancy here.

It is his job. He is interpreting, Brian. We need interpretation from

referees. Where will that get us? It will get us into the mess we are

is. What was the difference between that and the penalty he give.

REFEREE: The two front rows are coming up. You have to push

straight. The fro front rows are coming up. -- the two front rows

are coming up. It doesn't matter to me that he can speak French

fluently, it just means he gets it wrong in two languages! It adds to

the confusion, Brian. Ben Morgan... Your penalty, Brian!

Are the England backs running up to pat the forwards on their back for

their effort there. That displays a lot of confidence, actually, by the

England pack, to say they will keep their own ball and try and drive it

back, which is notoriously good at scrummaging, and put them under

pressure. That is attacking at the neck. Here is Owen Farrell. Off the

post. Bonnaire with the catch. Follow up by Brad Barritt. That was

great work by Bonnaire. He plucked that out of the air. If that looked

easy, it was because he has got brilliant hands. The posts are

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out. Too early to be too negative about some things there, but

England wanted that to go over to put it two converted scores between

you take the foot off the pedal in terms of pressure that you put on

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the French, they are quite capable away. He spots the gap and is

through! But France did not have the numbers. But turned over by

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somebody must bring him down. It is the test is past. That was idiotic

from England. Penalty end France's favour. He was entitled to go

through with the tackle. Just wait to see what Alan that says here. --

Alain Rolland. What do you make of that? Ashton is a bit out of sorts

at the moment. And there he was just showing some frustration. A

very unnecessary, very unprofessional. You saw how Dickson

reacted as well. He could do without it and so could England.

France have gone into default mode, playing their natural game. Here is

the end result. The Julien Dupuy with a sitter. And it goes over and

decisions. There is nothing wrong end what Aurelien Rougerie did. He

had to go through the tackle. And you just stand there and say that

Julien Dupuy is in no rush. He will have to speed things up now the off.

From a defensive point of view, Ashton is there, the fullbacks have

got the ball. I thought earlier on when the ball went left, I am

pretty sure that Sharples would England suddenly have a chance to

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on from a defensive situation. England have lost ground, but they

still have the ball and they have ball from the breakdown, they have

got to make their mind up as to whether or not become round the

corner with enough men to free the ball, or when they take the ball in

midfield, have they got enough men out wide to do that? The runner is

being taken away from the support players and the French get in there

and turn the ball over, which is what they have done three times now.

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Food for thought in both coaching it went forward. That has been one

of the problems for France. Their hands have not been as crisp as you

would expect from a French it side. They are usually able to put those

sort of chances away. Time and again, every game they have played,

has not been a great weekend for the wingers. I am thinking about

he does want and what he does not want. The French captain, Thierry

Dusautoir, having a word with Lionel -- Lionel Beauxis. Just over

two minutes left. A good chance for France are to turn and drive the

scrummage. That is what they try everything down. The French crowd

are annoyed because the they we are taking too long. -- they think they

are taking too long. Penalty to France. A deliberate attempt to

slow the ball down. And that is being penalised in this game. Which

The important thing is that with two minutes to go before half-time,

it will be down to... Down to a points now. Very indisciplined by

England. There was enough cover. They could have looked after what

Just dinks it out of play. Half- time comes. England lead 14-9.

BRIAN MOORE: England will be satisfied with the lead. Were the

better side for 25 minutes. Stuart Lancaster will be disappointed that

they conceded some of the points back from indiscipline later on.

More of the same, cut out the poor game of rugby this has been. The

atmosphere from the word go, you thought there was going to be an

edge and there sure was. Lee Dickson almost scoring early on.

The French defence cut to shreds and Tuilagi scoring the first try

for England. Then Big Ben to Baby Ben and England were two scores to

the good. A bit of indiscipline allowed France to kick three

penalties. Here is the score - 14-9 to England. They have only scored

two tries! It means that England only have a lead of five points and

you would feel they would want to be a few more points to the good.

be a few more points to the good. Sonja?

Before we knew where we were, France were 11 points down. Why did

it take France so long to get into this game, Serge Betsen? I don't

know. It is really hard since the tournament started and we don't see

no movement forward in attack and defence. This is the crucial thing

about speed, start well, be aggressive and play good rugby.

contrast, England made the perfect start with two very quick tries.

What's impressed you most so far about the attitude they have shown

this game? England playing with speed, pace and they have played

brilliantly. They play a rugby game in the French way. We saw the

passing, the off-load, and they play very good rugby at the start

and they score good two tries. momentum seems to have switched,

though, towards France just as that half was coming to a conclusion.

What do you expect France to do in the second half? I expect France to

carry the ball, play with speed, with pace, because they are really

slow. They have played with no intent and speed. I hope the second

half we will see that. Thank you. JOHN INVERDALE: Even when it comes

It was a half of two halves. We have said that so often during the

Six Nations. One game, one team comes out the traps very quickly

and the other team gets back in it. That's what's happened again?

first 26 minutes were comfortable for England. They seemed like they

had a great game plan. They didn't make many errors. Scored the tries.

France were really under the cosh. It seems that since that penalty

miss from Farrell, they have upped their tempo, got their joy of life

back and they have gone for it. is compelling. We should play every

game on a Sunday because all the Sunday games have been terrific!

you don't want your coach, we might take him! France, talk about these

half-backs. We changed the tactics, but the first two tries from

England came from high balls from the French. Do we need to change

the tactic? Every time we have an opportunity we try to kick, whereas

when we passed the ball, that is where we are dangerous. The French

were at their best when they ran with the ball. They want to play

with flair and ambition. England are organise nielzed. They took

their opportunities very well -- organised. They took their

opportunities very well. The defensive press is solid. The only

stat which is significant there for England are the penalties - they

have given seven away, two of them stupid by the wingers and they are

back in the game. England could have scored earlier than they did.

If we watch this now, back of the If we watch this now, back of the

line-out again. Hartley goes round. The gap opens up. Just watch Ashton.

Beauxis blocks him. It was a well- worked move. Unfortunately for

England, Beauxis just blocked him. France have had very few chances.

One came to Bonnaire who almost crawled over the line in the far

corner? Yes, it was a long phase, this. Most of the players were

quite tired. Two mistakes from the English team, things you didn't see

very often in the first half, and close from the line he doesn't

manage to get the try. For the French, that was the best move that

we had. We must expect much more in the second half if we want to

compete against the English. rugby, they don't have assists like

in ice hockey, but Chris Ashton gets the assist for Tuilagi's try?

Yes, he does the overlap. From a high kick, the ball falls in favour

of France. He comes in, he has to make the tackle. He hits him. Watch

the skill of Kieren Fallon. He goes down, he turns, he off-loads. Then

it is a foot race. Rougerie might get him. But he puts on the

accelerator and jumps. England have been brilliant in the first half.

They are so loose. As I say, they have been shapeless whereas England

have kept their shape in attack, they have kept their shape in

defence. England have been magnificent in the first 26 minutes.

France, not sure what they are trying to do. What about Ben

Morgan? Ben Morgan has been superb. We know he can get across the game

line. He's been powerful. He is there, collecting the high ball.

Look at the French dfrs. It is not there. -- defence. It is not there.

Foden sees he is going to make the gap. He is tracking, he is trailing.

He knows he is going to get the off-load from Morgan. Morgan was

brilliant there. Let's watch the break again. It is superb. He's got

his vision, he swaps the ball into the other hand that allows him to

make the off-load for Foden. That is so important. I can't really

understand what - they know they are... Don't try to understand the

French! If they are going to play a kicking game, why isn't the chase

there? If that is their tactic, surely the chase has to be as good.

Farrell, let's talk ability him. The penalty miss may come back to

haunt him and England today. He is having a terrific game? Yes, this

is his first kick of the day. Takes a chance, goes for it, gets the

touch. Then he is very good defensively. He takes Harinordoquy

down. He has great awareness. He has put the inside ball. It is good

to watch. It is good to watch. All the time they have many options.

That is very good from the English. Every time he gets the ball, you

have a runner. You have an option on the left, on the right. Then

that is his biggest mistake in the first half. From what we have seen

from Farrell so far, he hasn't melted, he hasn't gone away. He's

got a mind that is tough, it is may of iron and I don't think he will

fall away from that. You will miss kicks. You have to look at him and

go, who is the experienced number 10 out there, it wouldn't be the

one in blue! Lawrence, what is your take on that first 40 minutes?

fantastic from England. They will be very happy with the way they

have started. They are creating more and more chances. We see here

on the VT, England have five attackers against four French

defenders. Unfortunately, perhaps our attackers, it is Chris Ashton,

he is not seeing the opportunity. What he wants to do is take the

ball flat here so he can fix the third French defender and create a

nice overlap. What happens, Lee Dickson has to pass the ball so

deep and we have all been in this situation, everyone is running

across field and that opportunity that was a five on three has now

gone for England. Positive signs, they are creating the opportunities.

They have to challenge the line. The back Roman, how are you

assessing Ben Morgan? I think -- The back-row man, how are you

assessing Ben Morgan? I think he is a real handful. He beat five French

defenders for the Foden try. The more England get him over the game

line, the better. Thank you very much. England are leading 14-9 and

England's women have beaten the French women team by 15-3 just down

the road here. This match was shown on the big screen before the men

came out to warm up. This was a high quality game. This is a

runaway try to give England the first score early in the second

half. Then Kay Wilson scores - look at this. Some tremendous handling

here. A length of the field try. It puts England on course for a Grand

Slam next weekend if they can beat Ireland. 2.00pm next Saturday

afternoon, St Patrick's Day. England against Ireland's women.

England against Ireland's men at Twickenham, of course. There is the

women's six -- Six Nations table. All the Six Nations comes to a

climax next weekend. You can see highlights of the two games

yesterday, as well as this match, later on tonight on BBC Two. Next

weekend, Italy v Scotland from Rome. Followed by the Grand Slam decider

for Wales v France, 2.45pm. England v Ireland is the climax of this RBS

Six Nations 5.00pm Saturday afternoon. Match Of The Day 2 is on

BBC Two tonight. Both Manchester clubs involved. City v Swansea and

United v West Brom. Both sides are out on the field. Can they hang on?

JEREMY GUSCOTT: If they keep this side on the field as long as

possible, without making those substitutions that a lot of coaches

do at 55 minutes, if these guys are in form, don't take them off.

THOMAS CASTAIGNEDE: For the French it will be the opposite. Bring them

on the field. Who will win, Jonathan?

JONATHAN DAVIES: If England keep their shape... He is changing his

mind. You have to look at England. I still stick to France! He is

Welsh. Eddie and Brian. EDDIE BUTLER: Confusion at the

Stade de France, the RBS Championship on its last Sunday,

one more Saturday to come. The all- deciding Saturday. Julien Dupuy

slows everything down. That's a better distance from France's 10.

BRIAN MOORE: A good distance. If you are an England supporter, you

will want to hear that that will be dinner later on! And that Stuart

Lancaster has read the riot act concerning giving unnecessary

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to have come out with a completely different mindset. If that is the

case, then those have to go to hand. No pressure. He knows that

straightaway. That doesn't alter the fact it is unacceptable at this

their 22. Ben Morgan comes forward. It is taken by Harinordoquy, his

is, but winning a ball in the air... What a brave player he is. From a

French point of view, once you have England's players having to look at

the ball, this is an area where England went on the blink towards

the end of the half. Crucial advantage to the French, but that

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 98 seconds

of the line-out. Again, Tom Croft goes for it. Ben Foden has the

advantage. -- goes forward. Then Foden took a chance of try to see

if he could make a crucial break rather than automatically putting

boot to ball and giving the French have the ball back. A couple of

worrying signs that the French are starting to wriggle out of first

defence. England with a third of the caps of France. But they are in

the lead. He was the best fullback that has ever been. Some people

under the red. But he has been busy today. -- under threat. When you

look out of the tactical options, England. A very good scrum.

Tremendous work by the English Brad five there. -- front five. If you

could see the angle that we can see, number six comes up, that leaves at

Jean-Baptiste Poux in a much more Owen Farrell's best. A kick of that

length was never going to have a... Poitrenaud to can age. -- took an

age. Good work and the French can consider themselves lucky. They can

bounce anywhere. The a provided touch, but they have turned it over

through because of the fine margins. But a turn over ball is the best

ball to go with. An intervention from the wing of slows of the ball

down. The rule is generally to get intervention of the... Was it a

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deliberate knock-on? That is very, very borderline. In

fact, I would say it was not a penalty. The Jean-Baptiste Poux has

man to go what for the damage jumper. The next man takes the ball,

but Annat instance, the second man was not ready. -- in that instance.

Nicolas Mas for France stays on. Whatever you think of that

decision,... A penalty against England. England have just got a

fortuitous three points for something and nothing. And are now

likely to be three points have given away. Dan Cole was taken off.

Look how effective he was in the scrum. He gets his arm around Jean-

Baptiste Poux. France have got no way to go there. Fantastic scrum

You cannot defend penalties. You have to stand there and watched the

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Surely not. You cannot give him I am all for that. He is. -- a yellow

for that. Well, Alain Rolland, what can I say? We know that you are the

referee, you do not need to be the star. I find that astonishing.

said he gave him no option, but there is always an option. Penalty.

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10 minutes into the second half for That was an immense tackle there.

Was it an option to pass the ball? Possibly. Thierry Dusautoir thinks

there was. But I do not think you can blame West the Fofana there. --

England. They will be under pressure. You have to stop the

French at running, trying to run for England to face. It has just

been a great game up until now. There is no way that was a yellow

card. Alain Rolland got that massively wrong. I just hope that

England do not suffer as a good work by Chris Ashton and

Farrell. But silly by the Frenchman. If he put the ball in the air, and

keeps the ball in play, it's in England territory. Now, it's wasted

time. Tom Palmer coming on for Botha. He has been feeling that

Lionel Nallet has come on for France. 35 now. England cut the

numbers - five in the line-out. England do what Wales did when they

good start with the catch. Ten minutes of this, that would test

the patience of the crowd. CROWD BOO

far side. Charlie Sharples in the bin. Seven minutes to go.

England can get the ball out of play so it takes another 40 seconds

or so... I don't understand why England haven't got many white

shirts to defend this. Julien Malzieu has lost the ball. England

did well to stop that French drive. Lee Dickson at the heart of the

operation. Charlie Sharples can only look on from the bin. There is

no reason why England from a line- out couldn't do the same thing and

drive at France. REFEREE: Can you have a word with

number 14? He's in the ear of the opposition. I will ask you nicely

to have a word with him to cut it out. He's already given away one

silly penalty. He is from Wigan so they won't understand him anyway!

Robshaw has a quiet word with Chris Ashton. It is going to be an

England throw-in. JEREMY GUSCOTT: Ashton is losing it.

Get him off. EDDIE BUTLER: I think we know where

Tuilagi, who has injured himself there. I don't know whether that is

just cramp. There was in fact space there, but the more important thing

is it's conceded a throw. There is something going on here. Thierry

Dusautoir... Talking about the line-out.

REFEREE: We don't want any messing. The ball goes, you go with it. He

can come in the middle, OK. BRIAN MOORE: I don't understand

what that was all about. Something from his attempt at skill! A good

are protecting an eight-point lead. They have 14 only on the field.

Sharples warming up. Four more minutes. You can make a case for

him kicking too early. But it was a good kick when he made it and he

has put the ball into the French 22, or just on the French 22. It's kept

play at the right end of the field. A good shot of Geoff Parling, who

REFEREE: No, no, buried in there. It is never coming out of there.

EDDIE BUTLER: France get the put-in to the scrum.

BRIAN MOORE: That eats another 45 seconds off the clock. There's a

big difference in the territory, but England have come away with the

only score I think - 14-9 they went in at half-time, so they are

winning 3-0 despite having that territorial... And they have

conceded in the sin-bin. Nicolas Mas might have taken one in the

ribs there. All sorts of things can happen to front row players. I

don't think it is anything too serious. Five changes on the French

side. I don't know what you think about the current fashion of making

automatic changes. On very few occasions I can remember when it

enlivens a game dramatically. I can understand with England, when Botha

was struggling with a knock. They are quite right not to make the

automatic changes that they seem to always do. They have had another

lecture from Alain Rolland. What was the point of that?! What was

wrong?! REFEREE: Wait for my call.

Crouch. Touch. Pause. Wait for my call. OK? I've asked you. Crouch.

He finds Brad Barritt, who finds Manu Tuilagi, who drops the ball.

Tuilagi made an important tackle on Rougerie. France still in

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That should mean that Sharples is back on and England are back to

their full compliment. Clement Poitrenaud, who is suddenly very

involved. France still trail by eight, England are about to go back

up to their full contingent. Charlie Sharples is back on.

There's an England player down by the posts. Dan Cole, the prop.

There's Phil Dowson, who is going start to work the bench. Tom Palmer

is on. Phil Dowson is now on. England do win this game, it will

be the efforts in the ten-minute period that has just gone that will

have been the solid, well the base of the win. To not concede at this

level is a tremendous effort. France spin the scrum and earn

themselves the penalty. Pascal Pape pumps the air! We could have a very

engrossing 17, or 16-and-a-half minutes here.

REFEREE: No, no, I didn't see it that way, OK?

Alain Rolland did not see it the push it around.

They are allowed to push around. -- REFEREE: They are allowed to push

it around. They are allowed to push around. I think he was saying

France are allowed to push it around. Morgan Parra has taken over

the kicking duties, France's third kicker. It would ironic that as

soon as they go back to a full compliment three points goes on the

board. Not that he had anything to do with the scrum. He does strike

it sweetly. Never in doubt. APPLAUSE 12-17, a try would bring

the scores level. It's a pretty concerted drive by

scrum only. Sarkozy. I don't want tomanion he is behind in the

opinion polls, but he is! -- want to mention he is behind in the

forwards. Not much change for Thierry Dusautoir. What England

need to do is to make sure whatever happens they are left with a shot

for points, either a penalty or a think Morgan Parra was involved in

that. I am not surprised. Louis Picamoles comes on was up just over

13 minutes left. France are deep that from that mistake, any points

at to give England the edge. England back in front of a

converted try. Matt Stevens going wrong way, that is going to be a

penalty. It is. But he might delay the case that Imanol Harinordoquy

turned and the wrong way. -- he might make the case. Was he

released? I was told that in goal, you do not have to release the

player. The difficulty with that is whether or not it started in play.

We spend some time talking about head. From a situation where

England had taken the ball deeper into the French half, we end up

watching a kick the ball over and boys are considered. -- watching

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them a kick the ball over and protecting their lead. The air was

an opportunity to move the ball wider there. -- there was an

Brilliant! Absolutely brilliant eye! -- a brilliant! Outstanding

work by Tom Croft. What confidence by Tom Croft to even attempt that.

He showed an athletic ability. He saw the gap, didn't even bother to

are way behind. If this goes over, I would say it is quite likely that

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it will be an England win. Steady quickly. They have done. Inside

pass to Maxime Mermoz. Louis struggling to get back up. A bang

gets one from Tom Croft as well. -- there is a hit there. It is a bit

some recovering from. Tom Croft has just scored what may prove to be

the match-winning try for England. But look how important he is to

this England team. He won a vital ball and then he switches to the

back of the line-out. So athletic. And here he is disrupting the

French line-out. He has really taken on that mantle of playing an

outstanding match for England so far. Rob Webber has come on for the

injured Phil Dowson and he is certainly am. -- settling in.

will not know how to cover unless Dowson is completely out. I can

also consider that the doctor is not allowing him on because he

Let's have a look. Any reason why the try cannot be awarded?

Webber too much because he is not a back row player. We have a decision.

You may awarded the try. That was intelligent play by the French to

conversion. Meanwhile, Nicolas Mas has gone off. It must be for an

injury. Jean-Baptiste Poux has come back on. It is crucial for France

elegant left foot. 1000 trail, but that position. A double change was

necessitated by the injury. France are very intelligent. Taking

if you are a French it supporter, you must be so annoyed at the lack

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waiting for the drop goal over! Well, we have drama here at

the Stade de France. We have tension. England are still in the

lead - 24-22. We have 30 seconds left. The referee will give them

the hurry-up. Whoever has the longest boot from England, they

need to get the ball as far down field as they can and get the chase

to go. The referee has called for the scrum. Steady, Brian!

REFEREE: I have to play the scrum. Whoever gets their hands on the

ball first after the put-in will be booting it as hard as they can

towards the out of play area. would put two extra men in this

scrum. Win the ball and then shoe it up the field! Ben Youngs will

field. There it goes! One of the stars of the day, Owen Farrell

kicks it off the park and England have won in Paris! They have

defeated France for the first time since 2008. It is well deserved.

France 22 England 24. England with three tries did what Ireland

couldn't do, they managed to cling on to a lead. They were sent down

to 14 men with Charlie Sharples. The work they did during that

period to keep it to a nil net score was so important,

irrespective of the points they gave away later. Tom Croft, what a

brilliant individual try to win it for England. Tom Croft's try,

gliding break in midfield, then round the full-back, and here is

Chris Ashton who made one of the tackles of the game that set up the

Tuilagi try. Brad Barritt defended as stoutly as ever for England. And

England, for the first time ever in the Six Nations, have won away from

JOHN INVERDALE: What a match! What a match! In every aspect, in terms

of drama at the end, in terms of controversy, in terms of individual

brilliance by England, in terms of guts. You must be very proud?

JEREMY GUSCOTT: All the players can be very proud. It was a committed

performance. It was very organised. No-one had a poor game. It was

tremendous. Well done Stuart Lancaster in putting all this World

Cup behind them and getting them focused on this Championship. It's

been very, very good. I gather the French have given the man of the

match award to Imanol Harinordoquy, as we head down to Sonja McLaughlan.

What a Test Match, it's been a real privilege to be here today. How

much does it mean to this team to win it? It is massive. We said the

last game against Wales we have to take the extra step when it comes

to seeing a team off. We really dug in. A massive effort from the boys.

Great to have the English support in France and just another great

step for this side. It proved to be a match-winning try from you.

Describe the moment that that gap appeared to open up before you?

saw Rougerie go, I should have passed to Foden, I thought I would

go myself, but luckily it came off. The team performance was huge today.

We have another tough test at home to Ireland next week. Chris Robshaw

urged England to put in a perTor mance for Stuart Lancaster --

performance for Stuart Lancaster. How much are you behind him as a

group? Massively. We have only been together for this tournament and we

have come on leaps and bounds. We have improved in areas. The players

have taken charge. Are you aware you stood on Phil Dowson? Yes. I

will have a word with him. I am sure he will forgive me! It was a

fantastic performance from you. Well done. Cheers.

JOHN INVERDALE: One or two of our commentary team felt that Tom Croft

was man of the match, but there is confirmation that Imanol

Harinordoquy is the RBS Six Nations man of the match - it was chosen by

the French! Jonathan? JONATHAN DAVIES: England hung on in

there. Took their opportunities. They stopped playing a little bit

to let France into the game. Again, England were magnificent. A great

performance. A young side. They have grown in every game. If you

are a French supporter, you will be pulling your hair out. There is no

shape, no pattern and as Brian Moore said, once they go behind,

they pick the tempo up and look as if they want to play. For England,

all the plaudits must go to England. If you were examining the game,

Thomas, you would say what on earth was Philippe Saint-Andre doing

taking Francois Trinh-Duc off? -- taking Beauxis off for Francois

Trinh-Duc? THOMAS CASTAIGNEDE: What a

disappointment. In terms of defensive errors, the French, we

don't come here today. It is hard to say, but the best team won.

JEREMY GUSCOTT: What a contrast, with new coaches to both teams.

Lancaster brings in the youngsters, Philippe Saint-Andre, who is so

French, I thought the way he played, he would look for flair and

ambition, but he stuck with the World Cup team. Stuart Lancaster

must be pleased. Will he be in charge? I think he will go for Nick

Mallett because it's a win-win for them. If they go to Lancaster and

England don't perform in the World Cup, the people who chose him will

get the blame. If you go with Nick Mallett, he has the CV to do the

job. JONATHAN DAVIES: What if he doesn't

do the job? He won't get blamed so much! Why not pick Nick Mallett and

Lancaster at the same time? Why not. He has created a band of brothers

mentality and they have played with such commitment today. There are

such commitment today. There are the stats at the end of the game.

Penalties conceded almost cost England the game. There was a time

in the last minute or so when you thought was this going to be one of

the great dramatic moments in Paris. What it does mean, if you are

watching us in Wales, it's a pretty safe bet to say that Wales are the

champions. The points difference is 38 points, is it? So Wales are

going to have to lose to France by a lot and England will have to beat

Ireland by an awful lot. I don't think those scenarios will happen.

It does look as though Wales are probably going to be the RBS Six

Nations champions this year. They want more than that. They want a

Grand Slam and they will play France next week in the climax of

the Championship when England play Ireland at Twickenham. What a game

that promises to be at Twickenham next weekend. The expectation for

the England fans will be huge now? JEREMY GUSCOTT: It is. The PR from

the RFU will be hey, come down, the expectation doesn't need to be that

big. We are still inexperienced. We nearly lost this game. You are

turning into a politician! dukkah had dropped that goal, the

game could have been lost. -- if Francois Trinh-Duc had dropped that

goal, the game could have been lost. It won't be the Championship game

next week. Let's think about Wales and Cardiff. They are the ones

going for the Grand Slam. Let's go back to the start of the game and

Tuilagi's try which came as a consequence of Chris Ashton's

fantastic tackle in the middle that created the opportunity. Ashton has

spotted what could be happening here. He does anticipate the way

the game is played. Brilliant skill from Farrell. Away Tuilagi goes. He

would have been disappointed in the last time out against Wales, Andrew

rue nearly gets him. What a hit by Ashton! I have had a go at him

today because he is not at his best. It's a great finish from Tuilagi.

Tuilagi might not have the gas, but that was tremendous play. A great

score under the posts. At that point, England were in complete

control? The kick and the chase is so poor. Ben Morgan, he follows him,

he knows he is going to catch up with him, perfectly timed off-load

and he is under, nearly under the sticks. Two opportunities, two very

good tries by England. From the French, it has been the case all

over the game, we kick the ball and we didn't put any pressure on to

the English guy who was taking the ball and our defensive line wasn't

well organised. Why do you want to play that kind of game if you are

not organised for that? Here is a not organised for that? Here is a

happy man. At the end, your smile said it all. How proud of this team

are you? It is a fantastic achievement to come here with a

side so young and inexperienced. France haven't lost here for ten

games now and we have won. It is fantastic. I hope everyone at home

enjoyed it. It was great here. There was a point towards the end

of the game where I thought I hope this isn't going to be necessarily

a repeat of the Wales game. You lost that in the last four minutes.

What made the difference today? don't know. I think when you look

back at the game, we started well, we had periods of - we lost our

composure again. We showed tremendous character and grit. I

thought Tom Croft's try was outstanding. We talked about them

tiring. Tom ran inside. They came back. They almost fashioned a drop

goal. I thought we deserved it. Credit to the boys. Do you think

you won it as much in that ten- minute period when Charlie Sharples

was sitting in the sin-bin and you didn't concede? That was crucial.

It comes out of character. The characters of the boys show. 1-22

really. We were confident coming here. We will keep our feet on the

ground because we have a massive week to come against Ireland.

the character that we have seen from England out here today, is

that the character that you were seeking in that week at least?

that is where it all started. We talked about the journey and the

journey that we are on. I have said all along, it is not just about the

Six Nations, it is about South Africa, the autumn series and

beyond that. I think everyone deserves credit for buying into

that. Ian Ritchie, the new Chief Executive of the RFU was here, he

can't give the job to someone else, can he? I have no idea! My job is

to get ready for Ireland and I am sure he will be watching that and

set themselves up for what will be a great finish. It can't have

helped your candidacy, can it? is not for me to comment! Well done.

Thank you. Thank you for your e-mails and

tweets. Most of you getting upset about the Charlie Sharples sin-

binning. What was the difference between Fofana's knock-on and

Sharples' knock-on? Nothing. The difference was the yellow card.

Neither should have had the yellow card. It is very strange. Look, the

referee has had a tough job. This one, for me, by Fofana, is really

no different than what Sharples did. That is worse. If Fofana didn't do

that, England were away and could have scored. It the same so the

same repercussions should have been a penalty. Two yellow cards or no

yellow cards. The Fofana one, he jumped in the air, put his hand up.

At least Sharples tried to go for the intercept. I don't think he had

one of his better games today. have nothing to say about that!

must have something to say about this. France - there was no urgency

during that ten-minute period, the scrums, they didn't seem to

appreciate they had a man extra? urgency. As I said at half-time, in

terms of play, we had a lack of opportunities around the number 10.

We didn't give any options to the ball carrier. We only did that at

the end of the game when we had nothing to lose. It is better to do

it earlier than that. We were very, like, we looked like we were

sleeping sometimes. I think we need to really improve on that area.

will see Wesley Fofana's try in a moment. There were several other

occasions when you ran great lines The opportunity comes about, but

Kenny has to go inside pass. But then he has to go for the inside

then he has to go for the inside pass. And he scores. It looks as if

he might have over ran him a little bit. What about Fofana? Still a

very raw talent? He is brilliant to watch. He plays what he sees in

front of him. He looks as if he has got time on the ball. He is quicker

than people think as well. The England defence kind of stood and

thought we is he going to go? He has good vision and pace, all the

skills. He has to improve on delivering the right pass in the

right area. Are they a can hear from a young man who has had a

blistering game. -- I think we can hear.

What are the emotions in that dressing room? It is massive to

come here and get a win like that. For as boys are to turn up and do

that to them, and play like the way we did, it is very exciting.

Particularly against a team like fans in a stadium like that. What

was the mood ahead of the game? -- a team like France. It was very

exciting to play here. I feel very privileged to play. How pleasing

was that to come out and score three tries in the way that you

did? There was a little bit of criticism on the England side that

they had not shown in attack what they had not shown in attack what

they were capable of. I think we showed the other week against Wales

what we could do. But we are getting together more every week

and it has come together today. just confessed that it was shocking,

when that penalty bounced off the post. I was just trying to get on

to the next job, but it was a good job but the rest of them might over.

Full-fat is a fantastic centre. But what about Tom Croft? -- Fofana.

what about Tom Croft? -- Fofana. game. If you look at it, that is

how France defend. You have got to attack the inside shoulder. They

have not got that straight defensive line. That is Tom Croft

at his best. We have seen the pace that he has got there. He has got

the skill. That is where he should be. I appreciate he has got to do a

job at No. 6, but that is where he is at his best. There were also

French mistakes. We saw the good and the bed of Rougerie here today.

new drive. Robshaw tries to cover him but cannot get there at times.

That gives the space for Fofana. You have to attack the front row

Morgan Parra gave France a chance of winning the match. A if only

they had played like this from the start, they might have won this

start, they might have won this game. They are offside. That is a

penalty definitely. He could depict any of the three players. Then you

have got this drop goal. They should have tried to go closer to

the English line. He was never ever Was Ben Morgan the first person you

sort out in the dressing room? I think so. I'd definitely or him

one. He did all the hard work and I just had to bring it in. Four tries

in four games have. Yes, that is a pretty good run. The French seemed

to be a good team for me. I thought we were going to see the try there.

How much does it mean it to this team? It is good to answer the

critics. Everyone was saying that we were creating opportunities but

not taking them. But today, we did manage to take them a. We worked

hard and set the tempo of the game nice and early. Tom Croft with that

last try sealed it for us. How much further do you think you can go

after this? Every week, we seem to be getting better and better.

Hopefully, we can continue that way. The limits of this team are

unpredictable. I know that you have a baby that is eminent, I hope all

the excitement has not triggered anything? She is at home watching.

12 down and three to go. Next weekend, the wooden spoon match in

That is the night sky over Paris. The England players will be

appreciating it a rather more than the French. The match next week is

at Cardiff. How does it today impact on Wales's chances of

winning the Grand Slam? They will go there and turn up and try

anything. That could be a worry for us. But Wales will start as