24 Feb 2013

Six Nations: England defeats France

9:35 am on 24 February 2013

Manu Tuilagi scored a fortunate try as England remained on course for a Six Nations rugby grand slam with a 23-13 win over France at Twickenham.

Owen Farrell kicked 12 points and replacement fly-half Toby Flood landed two late penalties as England inflicted a third straight defeat of the tournament on bottom-of-the-table France.

It's Les Bleus worst start to a Championship since they lost their opening three games in the 1982 Five Nations.

Nevertheless, a much-improved France were leading 10-9 at half time after Wesley Fofana's superb solo score provided the only try of the first half.

The game was still in the balance, with England leading 12-10, when recalled centre Tuilagi scored a try that might have been disallowed for a ruck offence in the build-up.

It was a sign of England's strength that coach Stuart Lancaster made three changes to a winning side, with the powerful Tuilagi replacing Billy Twelvetrees in midfield and Dylan Hartley taking over from Tom Youngs at hooker.

Courtney Lawes marked his 24th birthday by filling in for 'flu victim James Haskell at blindside flanker.

France coach Philippe Saint-Andre reacted to defeats by Italy and Wales by making seven changes and a positional switch.

Half-backs Morgan Parra and Francois Trinh-Duc returned while Fofana was moved to his preferred position of centre, with Vincent Clerc taking his place on the wing.

Up front, hooker Benjamin Kayser, prop Thomas Domingo, flanker Yannick Nyanga and debutant lock Christophe Simon featured in a new-look pack.