England vs France LIVE! Six Nations 2023 match stream, latest score and rugby updates today
Six Nations action returns to London this afternoon with the latest installment of ‘Le Crunch’. Steve Borthwick’s hosts are aiming for a hat-trick of straight wins to further boost confidence after Italy and Wales were sidelined to banish memories of a tough opening defeat by Scotland. But while those victories were achieved in physical ways, today England have an assault on their minds.
Marcus Smith was picked for that purpose ahead of Owen Farrell at half-time, with the captain being benched by his country for the first time since the 2015 World Cup. One of his vice-skippers, props master Ellis Genge, will lead the team instead. It’s a brave decision from Borthwick, but he’s hoping it will pay off handsomely as England look to follow Scotland’s plan and play France at their own game with fast-paced rugby.
The Bleus remain one of the best sides in the world, although they sometimes flattered themselves in defending their first Grand Slam title since 2010 and have been on that soil without a Six Nations win since 2005. Follow England vs France live below, with expert analysis from Nick Purewal at Twickenham!
live updates
Wales secure bonus point win in Rome
It’s all over at the Stadio Olimpico, where Wales clinched a much-needed bonus points win over Italy, 29-17.
Warren Gatland’s men scored three first-half goals through Rio Dyer, Liam Williams and a deserved penalty try. Taulupe Faletau then secured the bonus point after man of the match Rhys Webb paused to ruin a late Azzurri comeback.
Boy, did they need that after three straight defeats and their worst start to the tournament since 2007 against a backdrop of an ongoing crisis on and off the pitch.
Italy will have to wait at least 11 years for a Six Nations home win as they now only have to play Scotland at Murrayfield.
The wooden spoon will surely be theirs again.
England warned about Gael Fickou
Nick caught up with Racing 92’s Rory Teague during the week to discuss the return of ‘crazy legs’ Gael Fickou.
He said: “Gael just glides in attack, he’s very subtle in his speed changes. And that’s pretty discouraging for defenders because he has the ability to get on the line and win his collisions.”
Read the whole story!
England vs France: countdown to kick-off
Some early kicking practice for Marcus Smith and Owen Farrell on the Twickenham lawn as warm ups begin.
Kick-off in less than 40 minutes!
England vs France: key battles
Ollie Lawrence versus Jonathan Danty
With Worcester out of work in September after Worcester was eliminated and overlooked for Six Nations selection in January, Lawrence has flipped his script in a good way and the 23-year-old now leads England’s midfield queue.
Danty is back to offer a similar physical threat to France. Manu Tuilagi posed as Danty in English training this week. Expect sparks to fly.
Steve Borthwick explains how to drop Owen Farrell
It’s all tactics for the England boss in his decision to start Marcus Smith ahead of Owen Farrell.
“As I always do, I went through the game plan that we want to play, the specific tactics that we want to play, the opponents and the strengths that they have, and for this game I decided to go with those selections meet,” Borthwick said.
“It’s the same selection process I go through every week. It’s a fantastic position having such great fly halves to choose from. We also had George Ford in the squad this week.
“Having three world-class fly halves is brilliant. And for this game, I think starting Marcus is the right decision.”
How Marcus Smith reclaimed his place on the team
Nick tells us how Marcus Smith returned to Harlequins on a mission while trying to reclaim his place in England.
Read the whole story!
Review: Some crisp tries from Le Crunch
England vs France: key battles
Jack Willis vs. Charles Ollivon
Willis has emerged from the ruins of the Wasp administration to thrive with Toulouse, who are smitten with his skills.
Steve Borthwick has also been quick to use Willis as his main breakdown contender and the 26-year-old will face plenty of team-mates and France top-14 opponents.
Ollivon will try to spoil England’s ball just as Willis will try to ruin France’s possession.
James Small Edwards Interview
Ahead of tonight’s game, Nick spoke to James Small-Edwards, son of French defense coach Shaun Edwards, about his transition into politics – some would say following in his father’s footsteps.
Read the whole story!