England shocked France with a thrilling 26-25 victory at Twickenham Stadium on February 8, 2025, securing their first win over the tournament favorites since 2021. Fin Smith, making his debut start at Twickenham, kicked the decisive conversion just as the game came to its final moments, sending the home crowd to their feet.
The match unfolded under intense conditions, with both teams showing flashes of brilliance and moments of frustration. England was not expected to triumph, especially after having struggled in recent outings against the French team. Yet, the Red Roses capitalized on France's uncharacteristic mistakes, with Bielle-Biarrey and Ramos flubbing opportunities throughout the match.
After both teams exchanged tries, the first half ended deadlocked at 7-7. England’s early struggles gave way to vigor, thanks to Ollie Lawrence's powerful fending run for their first try and outstanding teamwork. France's opening try came from Louis Bielle-Biarrey following slick passing involving Thomas Ramos and Antoine Dupont, turning the tide briefly in their favor.
Once the second half commenced, it became clear England was ready to battle. Marcus Smith began the half at fly-half, but it was Fin Smith who took up kicking duties due to Marcus's earlier struggles, hitting the mark when it mattered most. The match exploded with performances from both sides, as England and France engaged fiercely with neither side willing to give ground.
France's Louis Bielle-Biarrey, who showcased his exceptional skills, scored again, giving the visitors a 25-19 lead with only minutes left on the clock. But the tide turned when Elliot Daly, stepping up as a replacement, surged over the line for England’s final try.
Fin Smith remained icy under pressure, making the conversion count with seconds left on the clock, cementing his status as the player of the match. His elation was palpable as he spoke to ITV post-game: "We kept giving ourselves another shot and, we got ourselves over the line in the end. Unbelievable atmosphere, I am delighted with it."
England's captain Maro Itoje praised their resilience, stating, "For large parts of the game, we weren’t as accurate as we wanted to be. I will take responsibility for the lineouts not being as accurate as we wanted them to be... We are going to build from here." This victory signifies more than just points; it reveals the character and preparation of the team as they look to the rest of the Six Nations campaign.
Both teams left Twickenham with bonus points, totaling six now, with France still leading the table on the basis of superior points difference. The enormity of the victory instills fresh hope for England, who aim to win their first Six Nations title since 2020. Craig Lowe from The Times noted, "This time they nailed their skills and kept their composure when it mattered. Let this be the start of the future England have been long promising us was coming."
The match set the stage for the next round as England prepares to host Scotland, where the stakes remain high, and the intense rivalry promises yet another fierce clash. Fans are left buzzing from this nail-biter, and as the excitement fades, the anticipation for the next matches builds.