England Fight Back to Beat France and Win Six Nations

The Red Roses performed superbly to beat France and win their eighth successive Women’s Six Nations title in Bordeaux

England were given a fright in their winner takes all contest against France after leading 29-7.

A spirited comeback from the French got the hosts back into contention in front of a record 35,062 supporters.

The comeback got France within eight points of the Red Roses after tries from Anais Grando and Pauline Bourdon gave them hope of being the first side to beat England in 17 matches.

Jess Breach was on hand to give England some breathing space after racing away from the French defence before Amy Cokayne sealed the victory for England, allowing them to lift the Six Nations for the eighth successive tournament.

The triumph secures a fifth consecutive Grand Slam for England, extending their winning run to 38 straight test matches and even breaks their own record!

Despite England receiving all of the headlines France put on a fantastic display in front of their home fans.

France made an electric start and were roared on by a passionate home crowd throughout the game.

The hosts were camped in England’s half in the opening exchanges, with Axelle Berthoumieu and Madoussou Fall Raclot consistently threatening to open the scoring.

England survived the early flurry of French attacks through a crucial turnover form Cokayne, but the hosts soon struck with an incredible try on the break.

After forcing a turnover deep in their own territory, France moved the ball at pace and broke the field open. Lea Murie powered through tackles from Sadia Kabeya and Lucy Packer before linking with Lea Champon, who sent Pauline Bourdon Sansus over for the opening try.

Even without a number of Rugby World Cup-winning players, England’s strength in depth quickly came to the fore.

Sarah Bern responded with a powerful finish to bring the scores level midway through the first half, before Ellie Kildunne struck after Meg Jones hacked a loose ball forward. Abby Dow then added another in the corner after a sharp burst of pace, and Kildunne grabbed her second just before half-time following strong work from Maddie Feaunati and Abi Burton.

With Zoe Harrison perfect from the tee, England went into the break leading 26-7, a margin that felt slightly harsh on the hosts.

Harrison added a penalty soon after the restart, but France refused to go away.

Marine Grondin finished in the corner after England’s defence was pulled infield, and Bourdon Sansus then found space near the scrum to cut the gap further and raise the tension inside the stadium.

The momentum had clearly shifted, but England responded when it mattered.

Dow’s second try, finished off from a well-worked first-phase move, quietened the crowd and restored breathing space for the visitors.

France kept pushing and frustration boiled over when replacement scrum-half Alexandra Chambon was shown a yellow card for a high challenge.

Amy Cokayne’s late try with four minutes remaining sealed England’s latest title success, before Rose Bernadou crossed in the closing stages to give the home supporters one last cheer.

In the end, England’s control, clinical edge and squad depth proved decisive once again as they reinforced their dominance in the women’s game.