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19th March 2022
09:53pm GMT
Ellis Genge of England is tackled by Jonathan Danty and Romain Ntamack of France. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)[/caption]
England showed some signs of life with a try early in the second half from Freddie Steward. Marcus Smith nailed a touchline conversion, but the likes of Fickou and Gregory Alldritt stepped up with big plays to stall English momentum.
France then settled matters through who else but their inspirational scrumhalf Antoine Dupont. He ran a super support line and glided over to get the try that effectively clinched the Grand Slam.
Here's how we rated Eddie Jones' men:
George Furbank - 6
Came in from the cold and was one of the best things about England in the first half. Quieter in the second half, in an attacking sense, and missed three of four tackles attempted.
Freddie Steward - 7
Showed great foot-work and strength to get over for his try. Not as stellar in defence, where he fell off a couple of tackles.
Joe Marchant - 6
Made a couple of great punching impacts in that second half comeback.
Henry Slade - 6
Ran into heavy traffic on a couple of costly occasions. Showed up well in the lead-up to Steward's try.
Jack Nowell - 7
May have been fortunate to avoid a card when Jaminet was up-ended. Made a few decent carries and tackles before going off injured after only 26 minutes.
Marcus Smith - 7
Will benefit greatly, in the long run, from a very solid championship. Kicked well and came to the fore when England started to cut into the French lead.
Ben Youngs - 6
Not the first scrumhalf to be outshone and outdone by Dupont. Some bright moments but was not given much to work with.
Ellis Genge - 7
After getting the better of Tadhg Furlong, last week, Uini Antonio really served it up to him. Made a last-gasp tackle on Ntamack but France followed up to score. Made one galloping first half carry to leave a few men in blue for dead.
Jamie George - 8
Scrum did not have it all their own way, this week. Grew into the game as it went on, and did admirably in the loose.
Will Stuart - 7
Stuck his tackles and made a couple of powerful carries.
Maro Itoje - 5
Superb against Ireland but much quieter this week. Gave up a couple of turnovers and four missed tackles, too. He is human, after all.
Nick Isiekwe - 5
Game passed him by without him making much of an impact.
Courtney Lawes - 6
Scrapped away all night but no lasting impact on proceedings.
Sam Underhill - 8
Fought like a dog all night, and caused France some problems. Led the way, from both sides, with 14 tackles in the first hour of play.
Sam Simmonds - 6
Missed a big chance to stake a claim for the No.8 jersey, heading into the summer.
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