By kath
August 16 2015

A game of two halves in my opinion.  The first half fantastic just what the doctor ordered the second half a nightmare, England seemed to just fall apart in the second half.  However, after some very nervy and anxious final moments they beat France 19 - 14

France dominated at the outset taking the lead after 7-8mins with a penalty by Morgan Parra.  England re-grouped and then turned on some thrilling stuff, super passing and fantastic pace.   They could have gone for goal early on but went for the corner, (they did this again in the second half, which showed their intent to play the ball). 

England's Anthony Watson goes over to score the first try of the game - All Pictures PA Images

The first try came from superb passing from Slade, Watson showing his pace went over the line... brilliant to watch. Not long later he went over again after Johnny May drew in four or five defenders and passed the ball out to Watson for a clear run in.

Anthony Watson goes over to score the second tr.

And then there was Sam ---- Sam's the Man!  What a presence on the field, my God he was everywhere.  This guy really wanted to play and show what he could do.  The tackles were immense - he has me sold and I would put him straight into the squad.

England's Sam Burgess (left) tackles Frances Dimitri Szarzewski

France via Parra slotted another two penalties, Burgess, picked up a yellow card for tackling Parra inside 10 metres after the scrum-half took a quick tap but I feel that was down to enthusiasm getting the better of him.  Burgess to my mind was acting more like a Captain, talking to everyone, patting them and keeping the spirits high.  Have not seen that in a player for a long time.

England's Sam Burgess (centre) is halted by Frances Alexandre Dumoulin

England went in at half time 12-9 up.

England's Alex Goode (centre) breaks the tackle of Frances Brice Dulin

With Burgess still in the bin the second half  started with a another super try.  Slade showing  his class recycled the ball to  Farrell who found Alex Goode out the back, who in turn spotted space out wide of the line.  He put in a sublime cross kick and Jonny May went over. 

England's Jonny May scores his sides third try of the game

Super move, just super!  And then, the discipline went and then everything seemed to go down hill especially after we had wholesale changes by the 'House of Lancaster'? 

England's Calum Clark was sin binned for a dangerous clear out, the French like lightening almost made England pay, when  prop Atonio dropped the ball on the line after it had been shown on the TMO that Burgess knee caught him.  The French however, got their try in the end after a powerful driving maul bulldozed over from close range.

Special mention to James Haskell who saved the day on more than one occasion in that second half for England.

England's James Haskell is challenged by Frances Brice Dulin

The second half was not pretty to watch as an England fan and some of the players that came on in the second half when they watch this match back will know they have missed an opportunity.

England: Goode; Watson, Slade, Burgess, May; Farrell, Wigglesworth; Vunipola, Webber, Brookes; Kruis, Parling; Wood, Clark, Morgan.

Subs: Cowan-Dickie, Corbisiero, Wilson, Attwood, Haskell, Care, Cipriani, Twelvetrees.

France: Spedding; Guitoune, Lamerat, Dumoulin, Dulin; Trinh-Duc, Parra; Debaty, Szarzewski, Mas; Maestri, Flanquart; Ouedraogo, Nyanga, Picamoles.

Subs: Guirado, Chiocci, Atonio, Vahaamahina, Goujon, Kockott, Tales, Fickou.