2 months ago
31
England XV (19) 24
Tries: Willis, Coles, Carpenter, Dombrandt Cons: Ford 2
France XV (12) 26
Tries: Barlot, Auradou, Mallez, Taofifenua Cons: Le Garrec 3
Steve Borthwick's England XV conceded two late tries as they were beaten 26-24 by a France XV in a dramatic non-capped match at Twickenham's Allianz Stadium.
England, who had wing Immanuel Feyi-Waboso sent off in the first half, looked to be in control when Cameron Woki's sending off was quickly followed by a try for Harlequins captain Alex Dombrandt.
However, France fought back to score from close range and set up a frantic final five minutes - and their pressure paid off when Romain Taofifenua burrowed over to tie the scores with the clock in the red.
Fly-half Antoine Hastoy fired over the conversion to snatch victory for Fabien Galthie's side with the last kick of an energy-sapping match played in sweltering conditions in London.
Feyi-Waboso, who missed the Six Nations and a possible place in the British and Irish Lions squad after dislocating his shoulder in December, was shown a yellow card in the 34th minute for tackling France fly-half Antoine Hastoy around the neck.
After a straightforward review, the card was upgraded to a 20-minute red because of the high degree of danger and lack of mitigation.
England had fought back after conceding two early tries to lead at half-time thanks to tries from Tom Willis, Alex Coles and Joe Carpenter, but will rue the way they let France back into the game in the closing stages.
Borthwick, who was without the 13 players selected in the Lions squad - including captain Maro Itoje - names his squad to tour Argentina and the United States on Monday.
England XV: Carpenter; Roebuck, Slade, Atkinson, Feyi-Waboso; Ford (co-capt), Spencer; Baxter, George (co-capt), Heyes, Coles, Isiekwe, Hill, Pepper, Willis
Replacements: Dan, Rodd, Davison, Cunningham-South, Kenningham, Dombrandt, Quirke, Beard
Red card: Feyi-Waboso (34)
France XV: Attissogbe; Moustin, Gailleton, Fickou, Duguivalu; Hastoy, Le Garrec; Erdocio, Barlot, Slimani, Auradou, Duguid, Fishcher, Tixeront, Guillard.
Replacements: G Marchand, Mallez, Bamba, Taofifenua, Van Tonder, Woki, Jauneau, Berdeu
Red card: Cameron Woki (54)
Referee: Hollie Davidson (Sco)
Assistant referees: Eoghan Cross (Ire) and Sam Grove White (Sco)
TMO: Mike Adamson (Sco)
