By Kath
March 3 2013

Well as I was driving early morning to Twickenham through a blizzard of sleet and snow, I recall thinking "This had better be good England".   Eventually as we progressed down the country the weather got better, thank goodness.  However, it took us a good six hours to get to Twickenham.

RBS Six Nations 2013

 Match Post Thoughts

England  23  v  13  France 

England did not disappoint but I did find watching the first half a very nervy affair.  We were in the North Stand just to the right of the posts and surrounded by French fans who were in really good voice.   It was a bitter cold day and I am sure the backs would have had difficulty keeping their muscleswarm.

An early penalty exchange between Farrell and Parra was followed by a battle at the set-piece, with Thomas Domingo striking a crucial blow against Dan Cole, as England racked up the penalties early on.  The French worked well to disrupt England's possession they blocked an attack outside the 22 yard line, before Ben Youngs knocked out after the hosts earned turnover ball.

England rapidly went up through the gears and almost forced the first try but Tuilagi's break was stopped by Parra.  Farrell kicked the resulting penalty, but France quickly went ahead for the first time as Fofana escaped hopeless tackles from Lawes and Chris Ashton to score the opening try after a 60 yard dash.   At this point I thought here we go, the French have turned up in the tournament at last and of course it just had to be against England!

Man of the Match - Captain Chris Robshaw

England got another penalty to allow Farrell to reduce the deficit but after Samson was tackled in the air from a line-out, Parra missed the chance to extend France's lead to four from a penalty. 

Another miss at the start of the second half from Parra again denied France an chance to extend their lead and after an England maul was collapsed, Farrell took advantage to put England back in front.    England's first try, came after a boot in the France ruck saw the ball fall the way of Tuilagi 30 yards out, who made no mistake.  Have to say on looking back at this it was perhaps a bit lucky but luck plays a huge part in sport.

Replacement Michalak came on, which was a surprise after his woeful previous games.  However, he kicked France to within four points before nearly setting Fall away after catching a kick over the top of the England defense, but luckily Launchbury intercepted.   France seemed to lose their composure and crumple in the closing quarter, giving away a great deal of turnover ball.   Flood put over successive penalties, which saw the French heads fall and England stride on with the Grand Slam still in sight.