ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

England stay on track for Grand Slam with win over France

BY Grant Constable  ·  Sunday Feb 24, 2013

England continued their charge towards a Six Nations Grand Slam as they beat France 23-13 in a fascinating game at Twickenham on Saturday. Skipper Chris Robshaw attributed the win to the home team’s defence against a dangerous French side. 

France had led 10-9 at halftime thanks to the boot of Morgan Parra and a superb try by Wesley Fofana down the left flank. Fofana evaded a number of weak England tackles as he gave Twickenham a taste of his highly regarded speed and strength.

A fourth Owen Farrell penalty and an opportunistic try by bloodied Manu Tuilagi gave England the lead before replacement Toby Flood came on to add two penalties.

Captain Chris Robshaw, who was immense yet again, was full of praise for Tuilagi.

“‘Manu was great. He came into the team and you could really see his power and physicality, as well as his ability to hit a great line and use his hands. He wanted to prove a point – and he did just that,” said Robshaw, who has been making a serious claim for the Lions captaincy in recent weeks.

“We were a little bit slow coming out of the blocks. They caused all kinds of problems, we expected that. So credit to all the guys, it’s a great win. Our defence in the first half was pretty sloppy. Once we sorted that out it was pretty good,” he said.

England must now beat Italy at home and Wales away to capture the elusive Grand Slam, which they haven’t won since the Rugby World Cup winning year of 2003.

ADVERTISEMENT

Related Articles

  • 604 WEEKS AGO

    The Six Nations 2013 Highlights Montage

  • 609 WEEKS AGO

    Vincent Clerc's incredible volley almost...

  • 610 WEEKS AGO

    France get first tournament win with Paris...



ADVERTISEMENT

Great Tries

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    Fans in awe as Joyce finishes ‘impossible’ solo try

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    WATCH: Outlandish Jacob Stockdale finish is truly world class

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Ulster denied THE GREATEST URC try you will ever see!

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Capuozzo break sets Dupont up for hatrick on return

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Fans praise 'Dom Perignon Rugby' as Irish players prepare for final match of South African tour

View All

Big Hits & Dirty Play

  • 5 DAYS AGO

    Ireland 'steal' Argentina's opening try as debate rages

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    WATCH: The biggest hit from week one of the Autumn Nations Series

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    'Cheap shot' from Leicester Tigers vs Northampton Saints causing a stir online

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Wild moment leads to all in brawl during Welsh derby between Cardiff and Scarlets

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    South African school boy makes the greatest tackle ever

View All

See It To Believe It

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    Fans in awe as Joyce finishes ‘impossible’ solo try

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Insane moment as french backrow waves off medic and smokes Ange Capuozzo

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible drop goal helps break 25-match losing streak

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Leinster fly half delivers insane 50:22 after being given start for Emerging Ireland

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    French scrumhalf drills perfect shot at goal under outrageous circumstances

View All

Funnies

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    “Put that in the book” - Rieko Ioane’s explosive post reignites feud with Sexton

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Mischievous Marcus Smith spotted engaging in the dark arts during All Blacks match

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Jonny Sexton: 'Fondest memory of the Heineken Cup in 2011?' - 'Gordon D'Arcy's bar' and 'Coppers'

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Watch: Mike Haley's post match interaction with RG Snyman leaves no doubt about where Munster players stand

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    The rugby guy and Mack Hansen drop an all time BANGER with latest video

View All

Amateur

  • 97 WEEKS AGO

    You Won’t See Many Better Than This Silky-Smooth Try From Llandovery RFC

  • 97 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes As Caldy RFC Hand Ealing First Championship Defeat Of The Season

  • 120 WEEKS AGO

    Dubious Score Decides Result Of Rugby's Biggest Schools Fixture

  • 120 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes At School Boys Rugby Match

  • 121 WEEKS AGO

    The Next Dominant Backrow?

View All

Player Features

  • 7 HOURS AGO

    'Eligible for England' - Fans react to South African star's contract announcement

  • 3 DAYS AGO

    The 19-year-old named the 'future' of English rugby after win against Australia A

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    Anthony Watson exclusive: 'I wouldn't be surprised if England win'

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    It’s a 9.5/10 for Joseph-Aukuso Sua’ali’i

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    “Put that in the book” - Rieko Ioane’s explosive post reignites feud with Sexton

View All