England Women suffered their second defeat in this year’s Six Nations at the hands of a dominant French team at Twickenham Stadium.
It was England’s first ever loss at the home of England rugby and significantly reduces their chances of retaining the championship crown.
The young side scored through Kay Wilson and Hannah Gallagher and the boot of Amber Reed but were unable to compete with the visitors’ impressive five try display.
The French played the opening period deep in England’s half and their first score came after just 12 minutes when Guiglion Elodie dived over in the corner.
England immediately responded through a difficult conversion from Amber Reed to take a 7-5 lead.
Undeterred, the French continued to pressure and following a successful penalty from Agricole, Lucille Godiveau scored their second try.
An England penalty minutes later reduced France’s lead as the clock turned 33 minutes but the visitors grabbed a crucial score just before half time.
France continued their assault straight after half time with a try from Christelle Chobet, extending their lead to 10-25.
England worked hard to gain territory but struggled to break down the French defence until half time replacement Katy McLean started to attack and boost England’s confidence.
Amber Reed scored a penalty which resulted from a yellow for try scoring No. 8 N’Diaye.
Despite being a man down France continued to push for another score and again proved dangerous but It was England who had the final say when a storming run from replacement Emily Scott, making her England debut, left her inches short of the line. The ball was sent in field and Gallagher broke through the French defence to dive under the posts. Reed converted to justly reduce the deficit to 20-30.
Head Coach Gary Street said: “We just made too many mistakes today but we are not going to feel sorry for ourselves. We need to improve and we will come back fighting. All credit to France, they are a good side – potential World Cup winners – and they deserved this win.
“The Six Nations Championship title is slipping away but you have to be realistic because one team can’t it every year. We knew this would be our toughest season ever in the Six Nations and the last two games have underlined that.”
Sportsister, The Women’s Sports Magazine
