France v England LIVE: Result and reaction as Les Bleus edge thrilling Six Nations finale in Lyon
France 33-31 England: Thomas Ramos’s late penalty gave Les Bleus the win in a topsy-turvy thriller
England finished third in the Six Nations after a monster Thomas Ramos penalty in the final minute sent them spinning to a heartbreaking 33-31 defeat to France at Groupama Stadium.
Steve Borthwick’s men have trailed at half-time of every match of the championship and once more they faced an uphill battle, this time in the form of 16-6 deficit that included a try of the tournament contender for scrum half Nolann Le Garrec.
But they turned the contest on its head by amassing 21 unanswered points through two Ollie Lawrence tries and a Marcus Smith touch down as their attack ran amok through the France midfield. France regrouped to cross through Leo Barre and Gael Fickou but England were not done yet as Tommy Freeman stormed over in the right corner with five minutes remaining.
They appeared to have secured their fourth win of the Six Nations having staged multiple fightbacks but when they infringed just outside their half with seconds left, Ramos kept his nerve to hit the target.
Relive all the action below:
France 16-3 England, 38 mins
Lineout taken smoothly and Earl runs crash ball. Atonio caught offside so back to the corner.
France 16-3 England, 37 mins
Great kick chase by Marcus Smith! Puts Penaud under pressure and tackles him into touch five metres from his line. What a chance to score this is.
PENALTY! France 16-3 England (Thomas Ramos, 36 mins)
France are just keeping things ticking here. Thomas Ramos belts another penalty - they’re dominating this match and now lead by 13.
France 13-3 England, 35 mins
England’s blitz defence makes a couple of stops before Penaud goes dancing 30 metres across the pitch, running sideways looking for a gap because Fracne have a penalty coming. What a runner he is.
This penalty is just within Ramos’s kicking range, so he’ll go to the posts from just inside England’s half.
France 13-3 England, 33 mins
France keep making line-breaks in this match. England maybe lucky to be within 10 points currently. Meafou receives treatment for an injury but back on his feet
PENALTY! France 13-3 England (Thomas Ramos, 32 mins)
Underhill plays the ball on the floor and that why the penalty was awarded. Thomas Ramos will go for the posts from out towards the left touchline. 42 metres away but the kick is true.
France 10-3 England, 30 mins
Good pick-up at the back of the scrum by Earl with the French pack pressuring. Probably saved a penalty against.
Itoje loses the ball though as Atonio rips it form him and Cros shakes off Genge and Martin attempted tackles, making great ground. France kick to the left but that stifles the attack. They’re playing with confidence though and a penalty coming.
France 10-3 England, 28 mins
This atmosphere is superb. The posts are literally shaking with the noise. Penaud knocks on as he tries to gather a loose ball after Earl touches a clearance kick to play everyone onside.
WATCH: France score wonderful counter-attack try
Here’s that France try. Well worth a watch!
France 10-3 England, 27 mins
More from our man in Lyon, Harry Latham-Coyle
There is a clear shift of strategy from England this week, slowing the game down at every opportunity and setting up their caterpillar rucks regularly when in possession. It appears to be playing into France's hands, allowing their big forwards time to recover and their backs a chance to cut England to ribbons on the counter-attack.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments