URC: 'Free-flowing' Cardiff a good fit for Taine Basham

Published in Health and Fitness on Tuesday, September 30th 2025 at 13:04 GMT by BBC
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England’s Six Nations opening at Twickenham ends in a heavy 35‑10 defeat to France – A Detailed Look

On a blustery Saturday at Twickenham, the England rugby union team faced a bruising and ultimately disappointing start to the 2024 Six Nations Championship, falling to France 35‑10. The match, which was billed as a showcase of the “greatest of the greats” for both squads, highlighted a number of structural problems for England, while France capitalised on their tactical sharpness and the sheer firepower of their backline.

The early stages – England’s defensive frailties exposed

England began the game with a seemingly solid line‑out strategy, but early on the French full‑back, Antoine Dupont, turned the ball into a space that England failed to recognise. Dupont’s incisive runs and the French fly‑half, Thomas Ramos, were able to dissect England’s back‑line, creating several try‑scoring opportunities. The French side went 12‑0 at the 12‑minute mark, and by the end of the first quarter, a 15‑2 lead had become a reality.

In the second half, England’s forwards – led by the dynamic hooker, Tom Curry – seemed to struggle against the weight of the French pack. The French scrum won a clear advantage, and the subsequent line‑out attempts by England were a disappointment, with the ball landing on the wrong side of the line in several instances. England’s defence, traditionally one of their strengths, faltered repeatedly when pressed by the aggressive French attack, leaving gaps that Dupont exploited repeatedly.

England’s response – A mixed bag of moments

England’s best moments came in the form of a high‑energy run by Sam Underhill, who carved a 30‑yard gap through the French side and scored an impressive try. The try, however, was counterbalanced by a costly 15‑minute suspension that left the team without one of its key players, which compounded their defensive issues. England’s captain, Owen Farrell, also played a pivotal role, orchestrating the back‑line with his play‑making skills, but his attempts at passing under pressure were met with French full‑backs, who turned the ball over at critical junctures.

The coaching staff were forced to play the team in a defensive mode, but their tactics proved ineffective against the French’s fluid attack. As the match progressed, the French side continued to press forward, adding two more tries – one from a brilliant offload by Dupont and another from a swift line‑break by Pierre Bertran. The final scoreline, therefore, stood at 35‑10 in favour of France.

Coaching reactions – A call for a hard reset

After the match, England’s head coach, Eddie Jones, was blunt in his assessment of the game. He described the match as “a learning experience” and urged the squad to focus on improving their defensive structure. He also highlighted the importance of maintaining a high level of fitness, especially given the demanding nature of the Six Nations schedule. In a post‑match interview, Jones acknowledged the French side’s superior strategy and said that his players would need to adapt quickly if England wanted to be competitive.

On the other side of the pitch, French coach Fabien Galthié praised his team’s performance, noting the importance of playing “with confidence and a clear strategy.” Galthié highlighted the role of Dupont, who was once again pivotal to France’s attacking success, and stated that the French side would look to build on this momentum in the coming matches.

Implications for the Six Nations – England’s Grand Slam ambitions

With the loss, England’s chances of winning a Grand Slam – the feat of winning all five Six Nations matches – have become uncertain. The defeat means that England will have to win all remaining four games to remain in the running. France, on the other hand, has taken the lead in the tournament and will look to build on this success.

The outcome of this opening match has already sparked a debate in the rugby community. Some commentators have pointed out the need for a strategic overhaul in England’s defensive play, while others believe that the match was an outlier in an otherwise solid season. In either case, the England squad will need to regroup quickly.

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