By Kath
September 8 2003

England elite squad demonstrated their class at Twickenham by putting in a resounding win over what was in effect a French second string team.

England v France Match Review

Investec Challenge Result England 45 - France 14

 

The first half saw tries for Cohen, Robinson and Balshaw. The pace and power of the team was outstanding and delight to behold.   Wilkinson slotting over the conversions like clock work.

Balshaw scored within nine seconds of the second half kick off and Josh Lewsey getting the other second half try. Clive Woodward made changes the first being to take of Martin Johnson (Captain) and Jonny Wilkinson (Vice Captain).  The funniest moment came  5-10minutes later whilst listening to Ref Link, the referee asked Dawson are you the Captain now - no he replied well who is the Captain?  Dawson replied its probably Will Greenwood  and Will saying ok I will be Captain if you want me to be!  It was a rare and funny moment - but it highlighted something for me that was outstanding in a way.  The England team had been playing as a team without a 'leader' as such and to all intents and purposes were destroying the opposition in front of them

This formidable squad, working as one, everyone knowing what was expected and what they had to do.  Now that is Awesome!

Investec Man of the Match was Ben Cohen for his two tries and excellent tackling around the park but equally there were some fantastic performances put in by other players.  It was difficult to choose one in my opinion.

The French had really nothing to offer other than Penalties and Drop Goals - however, we must give them praise for hanging on in and scoring a try in the last minutes of the match.  Well deserved I thought.

So England Rugby Team start off on another adventure this time taking them South to the World Cup, let us keep our fingers crossed that we have no injuries in training and it all works as we expect it to.