England player ratings vs France: Fin Smith majestic but Marcus Smith struggles in shaky display
England ignited their Six Nations’ hopes with a last-gasp victory over France.
Elliot Daly was England’s hero, scoring a try in the dying moments and Fin Smith converted it to secure a 26-25 victory for Steve Borthwick’s side.
England had looked on course for an unwanted record of an eight straight defeat in a row to a Tier One nation.
But a spirited fightback at the end meant England claimed a famous win and kept their Six Nations dreams for this year alive.
Simon Collings was at Allianz Stadium to see England in action...
Backs
Struggled defensively and was lucky not to be at fault for a try when Bielle-Biarrey ripped the ball off him. Kicking off the tee was poor, too.
So much more involved than usual, perhaps thanks to his club team-mate Fin Smith. Linked up well with him for his try.
Ollie Lawrence 8
Another good performance after excelling in Dublin last week. Got England level before the break by scoring after a brutal hand-off on Thomas Ramos.
Herny Slade 6
Made a sloppy start by missing touch with a penalty. Improved as the game went on but outshone by Lawrence.
Ollie Sleightholme 6
Into the side after Cadan Murley picked up an injury. Made a few good breaks and was lively coming off his wing.
Fin Smith 9 | Star player
Had a shaky start with a kick charged down in the first minute. Settled down and setup Freeman’s try with a lovely kick. Then found Daly with minutes to go as England claimed a huge win. Majestic.
Alex Mitchell 7
Typically busy and his understanding with Fin Smith was clear to see. Tried to get England on the front foot and set the tempo.
Forwards
Ellis Genge 6
Gave away an early penalty for offside, that Ramos put wide. A few robust carries, but taken off just after 50 minutes.
Luke Cowan-Dickie 5
A bit loose in the lineout, with England losing three of their six ones when he was on.
Will Stuart 5
Threw a loose pass that allowed France to pounce and score the opening try. Solid at scrum time, at least.
Maro Itoje 7
Another good performance from the England captain, who continues to lead from the front.
George Martin 6
Got through a lot of dirty work and had made 12 tackles by the time he was taken off around the hour mark.
Tom Curry 8
Made a big tackle early on and was a menace at the breakdown. Carried well, too, and was just an utter machine.
Ben Earl 7
Dropped deep a lot to give England some punch returning France’s deep kicks. Carried well and was strong in the tackle.
Tom Willis 7
A rare start in the back row after good form for Saracens. A solid showing and topped the tackle chart for England when he went off.
Replacements
Fin Baxter (Genge 52’) 7
Gave a penalty away in the scrum just moments after coming on. Scored a try late on by diving over from close range.
Ben Curry (Willis 54’) 6
Helped England to keep fighting at the breakdown.
Joe Heyes (Stuart 59’) 6
A steady showing from the prop. Helped England get over the line.
Jamie George (Cowan-Dickie 62’) 6
Made his first appearance since losing the captaincy. Almost made an instant impact with a great line off Fin Smith.
Ollie Chessum (Martin 62’) 6
Brought some punch to England’s pack off the bench.
Elliot Daly (Slade 76’) 7
Off the bench and was England’s hero, scoring a try with just minutes left.
Replacements not used: Chandler Cunningham-South, Harry Randall
