In a brutal and captivating display of test match rugby, England's Red Roses have laid down a significant marker ahead of the World Cup, defeating arch-rivals France 21-15 in a fiercely contested warm-up match.
The clash, held at the Twickenham Stoop, was a far cry from a friendly encounter. Both sides treated the 15,000-strong crowd to a physical arm-wrestle, with the outcome uncertain until the final whistle. The victory extends England's remarkable winning streak, but the narrow margin proved their northern hemisphere rivals will be a formidable force on the world stage.
A Tale of Two Halves
The first half was a story of English pressure and French resilience. The Red Roses dominated possession and territory, spending large periods camped inside the French 22. However, a combination of staunch French defence and unforced errors from the home side meant the scoreboard failed to reflect their dominance.
It was France who struck first against the run of play, silencing the home crowd with an early penalty. England eventually found their rhythm, with tries from powerhouse forwards Sarah Beckett and Maud Muir. Yet, a crucial try from French winger Émilie Boulard just before halftime kept Les Bleues firmly in the contest, leaving the scoreline delicately poised.
French Flair Meets English Grit
The second half intensified as France emerged with renewed vigour, exploiting gaps in the English defence. A well-worked try brought the visitors to within a single point, setting up a nail-biting final quarter.
England’s experience and composure under pressure ultimately proved decisive. A critical penalty from the boot of Emily Scarratt provided a vital cushion, allowing the hosts to manage the game's closing stages effectively. The English defence, led by player of the match Zoe Aldcroft, stood firm against a final wave of French attacks, securing a valuable win.
World Cup Warning Sent
While England will be pleased with the result, the performance highlighted areas for improvement. Head Coach John Mitchell will be scrutinising the line-out, which faltered at key moments, and the handling errors that prevented a more commanding lead.
For France, the narrow loss away from home will be framed as a positive. They demonstrated they possess the attacking flair and defensive grit to challenge the world's best, making them a serious contender for the upcoming World Cup.
This physical encounter served as the perfect preparation for both squads, building excitement for what promises to be a highly competitive global tournament. The Red Roses have passed a major test, but the message is clear: the road to World Cup glory will be anything but straightforward.
