England have delivered a massive upset in the Six Nations, claiming a one-point 26-25 win over France in Twickenham.
After an opening half-hour of domination from the French, Saturday's clash was at risk of becoming a one-sided affair. However, a slew of uncharacteristic handling errors and wasted opportunities from France saw them claim just seven from a potential 21 points as the clock struck thirty.
Five minutes later, England had somehow turned the tide of momentum and crashed over the whitewash themselves, levelling the affair at 7-7 very much so against the run of play.
While the electrifying speed and intensity of the game had many wondering if or when England would run out of gas, they simply didn't. After trading barbs and scores throughout the second half, a 69th-minute try from Fin Baxter gave Borthwick's men a one-point lead and set up quite the finish.
As they had done all day, France returned the favour nearly immediately; Louie Bielle-Biarrey restoring the difference to six.
While twelve months ago that would've wrapped up the game - England were relentless on Saturday, charging back to France and crashing over in the last minute of play to give young Fin Smith a chance to win the game. Like he'd done it a hundred times before, Smith added the two points and delivered one of the biggest upsets of this tournament.
𝐄𝐋𝐋𝐈𝐎𝐓 𝐃𝐀𝐋𝐘!!! 🤯
England win it at the death! 🤯
Fin Smith adds the kick which puts them one point ahead! Unbelievable drama at Twickenham!#ENGvFRA | #GuinnessM6N pic.twitter.com/9MzxdDpzTV— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) February 8, 2025
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Andrew Trimble entirely unconvinced by England win
While speaking after the clash Rob Kearney was seriously impressed with the impact Fin Smith could have for England, former Ireland wing Andrew Trimble was far from convinced about their true role in the game.
Speaking on Virgin Media, the Ulster legend went to great lengths to stress that Saturday's result was as much about France's poor showing as it was England's ability, pointing out that this is not an England team in transition but one at which Borthwick has been at the helm for some time.
It's promising but I mean there's no really clear trajectory of with England, they seem to be getting slightly better, slightly better: pick off a win against Ireland last year, pick off a win against France - the context here is France absolutely had this game in the bag and they threw it away.
Eddie Jones left two years ago, this is Borthwick now and we're seeing something, let's not overreact 'now it's all perfect with England'. They're moving in the right direction very slowly.
Similarly unimpressed by French mistakes, Trimble likened England's win to last year's defeat of Ireland in Twickenham, which proved to be a one-off result not followed up on in the games that followed.
France had 10 opportunities to scores tries and didn't take them. The same thing happened Ireland at Twickenham last year, Ireland were off their game and England managed to get a game across the line....they can do that if you're off your game but France were just nowhere near the French side we've seen.
Regardless of England's progress, they've added to their points in the table and the Six Nations is now wide open. On Sunday, Ireland and Scotland will now be playing to stake their name at the top of the table. Meanwhile, France will now likely travel to Ireland in week four, desperately needing a win if they're to keep their Championship alive.
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