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England empty entire bench in one go to bag sensational late win over France
By PA
Emily Scarratt’s last-gasp penalty capped a sensational comeback from England, who overturned a 23-10 deficit to beat France 25-23 in a pulsating women’s Autumn international at Twickenham.
A week after defeating the same opponents 33-10 to become the number one ranked side in the world, England looked to be heading for defeat when Cyrielle Banet crossed the line to give France a 13-point lead with 15 minutes to go.
However, Poppy Cleall reduced the deficit after touching down following a rolling maul before Ellie Kildunne’s converted try moments afterwards brought England to within two points, and Scarratt held her nerve at the death.
She split the posts from 20 metres out as the Women’s Six Nations champions claimed a seventh successive win against a crestfallen Les Bleus outfit.
Despite falling behind when Zoe Harrison touched down first for the hosts, France were much tougher proposition than last week and Caroline Drouin’s penalty was followed by tries from Emmeline Gros and Banet.
Lark Davies reduced the deficit after half-time but another Drouin penalty and Banet’s second try of the game looked to be decisive, until England hit back in a dramatic last 10 minutes.
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It certainly needs to be cherished. Despite Nick (and you) highlighting their usefulness for teams like Australia (and obviously those in France they find form with) I (mention it general in those articles) say that I fear the game is just not setup in Aus and NZ to appreciate nor maximise their strengths. The French game should continue to be the destination of the biggest and most gifted athletes but it might improve elsewhere too.
I just have an idea it needs a whole team focus to make work. I also have an idea what the opposite applies with players in general. I feel like French backs and halves can be very small and quick, were as here everyone is made to fit in a model physique. Louis was some 10 and 20 kg smaller that his opposition and we just do not have that time of player in our game anymore. I'm dying out for a fast wing to appear on the All Blacks radar.
But I, and my thoughts on body size in particular, could be part of the same indoctrination that goes on with player physiques by the establishment in my parts (country).
Go to commentsHis best years were 2018 and he wasn't good enough to win the World Cup in 2023! (Although he was voted as the best player in the world in 2023)
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