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Tommy Freeman (left) and Fin Smith delivered fine performances in a gut-wrenching defeat - Adam Davy/PA
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England finally showed there can be honour, even in defeat. At last they threw off the shackles and delivered a performance of guts, intensity and attacking intent that may just have saved Steve Borthwick’s job.
The hard facts are that just one win – the opening-round triumph over Wales – represents England’s worst-ever Six Nations display and you have to go back 50 years to find the last time England lost four games in the championship.
And yet, despite France’s last-gasp victory through Thomas Ramos’s long-range penalty, Saturday night’s performance has brought Borthwick more time.
Remarkably, even in defeat England managed to outscore France seven tries to six – four of which were scored by Louis Bielle-Biarrey – and surprise their opponents with a display brimming with dashing intent. This was the kind of defiance that their supporters had been clamouring for during defeats by Scotland, Ireland and Italy.
The Rugby Football Union will hold a review into the campaign, and questions will centre on many things that went wrong, but also how England managed to turn things around in such a dramatic manner. Supporters will rightly wonder why it took the squad to reach such depths of despair before finally they took a stand.
England’s next match, against world champions South Africa in Ellis Park in July, now looks like a watershed moment. If England can maintain this momentum and show that the progress demonstrated in Paris is real and sustainable, the RFU may decide to back the regime.
Central to the review process will be assessing what impact any changes would have, and whether they would improve the situation in the short and medium terms.
There were outstanding displays from Ollie Chessum, who scored twice, including a length-of-the-field intercept try, Ellis Genge and Maro Itoje, while Fin Smith directed the backline with authority and aplomb.
Ultimately, discipline was once again England’s undoing. A yellow card for Genge at the end of the first half led to the concession of 21 points either side of the interval, a huge momentum swing in an utterly compelling contest.
Ellis Genge is sent to the sin bin
England will be down to 14 men for the first 10 minutes of the second half after Genge was penalised for collapsing a maul close to the trylinepic.twitter.com/WfZOrGGJ2u
— ITV Rugby (@ITVRugby) March 14, 2026
It was England’s ninth yellow card of the championship, equalling Italy’s record haul in 2002. Within a minute of the restart, Bielle-Biarrey had crossed for his hat-trick as France quickly exploited their extra man.
With Genge still in the sin-bin, it took a great breakdown steal by Itoje to prevent another try, but then France struck again when Dupont took a quickly tapped penalty and put Theo Attissogbe over with a floated pass to leave England with a mountain to climb.
DupontTheo Attissogbe = TRY
France are really making the most of having the extra man pic.twitter.com/Gp5nrItqT3
— ITV Rugby (@ITVRugby) March 14, 2026
Even with such profligacy, England looked to have snatched the most dramatic victory when Tommy Freeman raced over for his side’s seventh try just four minutes from time. Yet a game that had so many stunning moments that it beggared belief served up one last finale. Henry Pollock thought he had won the game when he stole possession in his own half, but the ball was lost and moments later a high tackle gifted Ramos the penalty opportunity in the 82nd minute.
The relief that coursed around the Stade de France was indicative of just what a scare England had given France.
There was sharpness to England’s passing, directness in their running and high tempo from the outset as they constantly posed questions of the French defensive line, allowing them to build scoreboard pressure even when conceding early tries that could have cast them adrift.
For all the early promise by England, however, it was France who bared their teeth first, highlighting their counterattacking threat by scoring with almost their first move. It was all too simple, a chip-kick by Ramos in behind England’s defensive line and although Cadan Murley came across to cover, he was beaten to the ball by Bielle-Biarrey who made history by crossing for the opening try, ensuring that he scored in every game in the championship for the second successive season.
What a finish. What a player
France lead thanks to a beautiful move from Louis Bielle-Biarrey️ pic.twitter.com/tF36Jgww0o
— ITV Rugby (@ITVRugby) March 14, 2026
Yet it was far from a momentum-sapper. England, with nothing to lose, kept playing and a big carry by the outstanding Chessum and slick handling by Smith and Elliot Daly created the space for Tom Roebuck to finish in the right-hand corner.
It was so important that England struck back quickly, and they managed to do so again after Bielle-Biarrey’s second try.
England were encouraged by the holes they were able to inflict with the carrying threats of Ben Earl and Genge and they responded in style with a try by Murley.
England react quickly AGAIN
Ben Spencer's kick dips beyond the French defence and Cadan Murley is there for the try
That's 4 tries in the opening 18 minutes at the Stade de France pic.twitter.com/FKll3lT1F9
— ITV Rugby (@ITVRugby) March 14, 2026
Then Ramos landed another penalty to extend Les Bleus’ lead to seven points. One wondered if England would be cut loose, but impressively they altered their tactics in real-time, turning to their maul to make dents in the French line. It took the legs out of their opponents and one dominant shunt culminated in a try by Chessum, who powered over and celebrated with high emotion. Smith’s conversion levelled the scores, and you could almost hear the cheers from Dublin.
Now it was France under pressure and with England’s maul winning penalties they managed to turn the game on its head when a blindside attack allowed Chessum to offload to Alex Coles for England’s third try. When the French were caught offside, Smith landed a penalty to stretch the lead to 10 points and the prospect of a stunning upset was on the cards.
The last act of the half, however, created another huge swing in momentum. Genge was shown a yellow card for pulling down a line-out maul after Matthieu Jalibert had kicked a penalty to the corner. France were awarded a penalty try which cut the lead to three points. Bielle-Biarrey then crossed for his hat-trick to put France back ahead, and when Dupont took a quickly tapped penalty his pass put Attissogbe over to put daylight between the teams once more.
Somehow, though, Itoje’s men found the resolve to go again. Their second comeback was sparked by a sensational intercept by Chessum, who picked off a loose pass by Jalibert inside his own half to reduce the deficit to six points.
Back to full strength, and with Borthwick unleashing his bench much earlier than he did in Rome, England put together their most compelling and relentless attack of the championship, with Marcus Smith finishing a multi-phased move. The conversion remarkably nudged England back into the lead.
A fourth try by Bielle-Biarrey – from a kick by Dupont when England thought they had been playing a penalty advantage – swung the momentum again, but there was time for England to make one final assault in the most remarkable fashion, starting with a scrum penalty and then two more penalties coming from line-out mauls, with replacement prop Demba Bamba being sent to the sin-bin.
Luke Cowan-Dickie was held up over the line but then another unrelenting attack culminated in a try by Freeman under the posts. Smith’s conversion put England in front and looked to have handed the title to Ireland before Ramos’s kick sealed the most remarkable finish to the most remarkable Six Nations campaign.
Match details
Scoring sequence: 5-0 Bielle-Biarrey try, 7-0 Ramos con, 7-5 Roebuck try, 12-5 Bielle-Biarrey try, 14-5 Ramos con, 14-10 Murley try, 17-10 Ramos pen, 17-15 Chessum try, 17-17 F Smith con, 17-22 Coles try, 17-24 F Smith con, 17-27 F Smith pen, 24-27 penalty try, 29-27 Bielle-Biarrey try, 31-27 Ramos con, 36-27 Attissogbe try, 38-27 Ramos con, 38-32 Chessum try, 38-37 M Smith try, 38-39 M Smith con, 43-39 Bielle-Biarrey try, 45-39 Ramos con, 45-44 Freeman try, 45-46 M Smith con, 48-46 Ramos pen.
HT: 24-27
France: T Ramos; T Attissogbe, P Barassi, Y Moefana, L Bielle-Biarrey; M Jalibert, A Dupont; J Gros (R Neti 63), J Marchand (P Mauvaka 46), D Aldegheri (D Bamba 46); T Flament, E Meafou (J Brennan 67); F Cros, T Matiu (M Guillard 41), C Ollivon (H Auradou 78).
Sin-bin: Bamba 73.
Unused replacements: B Serin, E Gailleton.
England: E Daly (M Smith 55); T Roebuck, T Freeman, S Atkinson, C Murley; F Smith, B Spencer (J van Poortvliet 52); E Genge (B Rodd 76) , J George (L Cowan-Dickie 52), J Heyes (T Davison 76), M Itoje, A Coles (H Pollock, 55), O Chessum, G Pepper (S Underhill 63), B Earl (C Cunningham-South 76).
Sin-bin: Genge 40.
Referee: Nika Amashukeli (Georgia).
10:40pm
Post-match thoughts of France defence coach Shaun Edwards
10:35pm
Jonny Wilkinson on ITV
10:30pm
Maro Itoje speaking to ITV
10:28pm
Vote now!
10:27pm
Player ratings
Safe to say the ratings were a fair bit better for the England players than they were a week ago against Italy. Our deputy rugby union correspondent Daniel Schofield has given out his ratings.
10:26pm
France lift the trophy
It is not the Grand Slam but it is back-to-back titles for France. Their captain Antoine Dupont is the last man up and lifts the Six Nations trophy on home soil. In a matter of seconds, it went from Ireland thinking they were about to win it only for Thomas Ramos’ penalty to snatch it away at the depth.
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France victorious again - David Rogers/Getty Images
10:22pm
Matt Dawson on BBC Radio 5 Live
10:19pm
An incredible watch!
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10:18pm
Post-match thoughts of England head coach Steve Borthwick
10:04pmKey moments
France are 2026 Six Nations champions
At the death, Ramos nails it and secures back-to-back titles for France. The Stade de France erupts, England left in despair. They thought they had won one of the most incredible Six Nations games of all time but instead it is France who are back-to-back champions. Dare I say it that was entirely predictable that the game was going to come down to a refereeing decision at the death.
10:02pm
80 mins: France 45 England 46
The clock is into the red but France have a penalty near halfway for a high tackle. There is another penalty for a deliberate knock-on by Itoje.
It all comes down to this. One kick for the title. Ramos, an excellent kicker, has the chance to make it back-to-back titles...
10:01pm
79 mins: France 45 England 46
Into the final minute of the tournament we go. France had it in the England 22, then England stole it but France have it back.
09:59pm
78 mins: France 45 England 46
With two minutes left in the 2026 Six Nations, Ireland are set to be champions but that could still change.
09:58pmKey moments • Tries
TRY! Freeman over for England
The boos ring around the Stade de France as England’s pressure inside the 22 pays off! They had a penalty advantage five metres out but do not need it as the ball is into the hands of the backs and Freeman runs a great line to go over untouched. M Smith adds the easiest of conversions and England hit the front with 150 seconds left.
09:57pm
76 mins: France 45 England 39
England are on the attack again inside the French 22.
09:55pm
75 mins: France 45 England 39
Cowan-Dickie is held up over the line. Chance gone for England with five minutes left.
A triple change in the pack for England as Rodd, Davison and Cunningham-South come on.
09:54pm
74 mins: France 45 England 39
England are just a few metres shy of the French line.
09:53pm
73 mins: France 45 England 39
France are down to 14 men. They were warned and hit early at the lineout. Replacement tighthead prop Bamba is sent to the bin.
F Smith puts it back into the corner.
09:52pm
72 mins: France 45 England 39
England have a penalty and Dupont is being warned about his side’s discipline in their 22. The next one goes to the bin. To the corner England go...
09:51pm
71 mins: France 45 England 39
On the French feed, England win a scrum penalty on the France 10-metre line. F Smith kicks into the French 22.
09:44pmKey moments • Tries • Video
TRY! Bielle-Biarrey goes over for his fourth
France retake the lead but how was a deliberate knock-on by Cros not given? Initially, England have a penalty advantage, then it is just a knock-on advantage. France then take possession and Bielle-Biarrey kicks ahead. The winger, despite a collision with van Poortvliet near the England line, scoops up and scores. They clear the incident but frankly that is a joke. Predictably in France when the hosts score a try, no replays are shown! Typical! Ramos adds the extras and France lead by six.
09:41pm
63 mins: France 38 England 39
Underhill, like M Smith, is on for his 50th cap.
09:40pm
62 mins: France 38 England 39
Is that a missed opportunity by England? From inside their own half, F Smith spots his club teammate Freeman in acres of space on the left wing and picks him out on the bounce. England move into the French 22 but are then caught holding on.
A brawl then ensues and the referee warns both captains.
09:37pm
60 mins: France 38 England 39
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A chorus of Swing Low has just begun in my Dublin hotel bar...
09:35pm
58 mins: France 38 England 39
England make a mess of taking the kick-off but France then concede a penalty moments later for coming in at the side of the ruck.
09:34pmKey moments • Tries • Video
TRY! M Smith over on his 50th cap
He has only just come on but he gets over the line. This game is shifting one way and then the other. The pressure in the French 22 pays off. M Smith has taken over kicking duties from F Smith and nails his first kick to convert his own try. England now lead by one and you can hear the shouts for joy from Ireland.
09:33pm
56 mins: France 38 England 32
England are well into double digits for phases deep inside the French 22...
09:31pm
54 mins: France 38 England 32
The momentum has kept shifting in this game and now it is moving in England’s favour. They win a penalty on halfway for a tackle off the ball.
Coles’ night looks like it is over and Pollock is the man who will come on. Unsurprisingly, the home fans boo as Pollock comes onto the big screen but he loves it!
M Smith is on for his 50th cap in place of Daly.
09:29pm
52 mins: France 38 England 32
England are back up to 15 with Genge returning from his period in the bin. They have also made a couple of changes as Cowan-Dickie and van Poortvliet come on.
09:26pmKey moments • Tries • Video
TRY! Chessum at the double after great solo effort
England are not out of this crazy match! This is quite the solo try from Chessum, who reads a pass inside his own half, intercepts and then gallops away to score. F Smith misses the conversion and that is now six points he has missed from the tee.
09:24pmKey moments • Tries • Video
TRY! Attissogbe dots down for France
England are under the cosh and France are starting to click into gear. The home side are awarded a penalty in the shadow of the posts and they take it quickly. Dupont spots Attissogbe in acres of space out on the right wing and the pass is spot on, giving the winger the simplest of finishes. The conversion is added and suddenly England face a mountain to climb.
Dupont
France are really making the most of having the extra man pic.twitter.com/Gp5nrItqT3
— ITV Rugby (@ITVRugby) March 14, 2026
09:22pm
47 mins: France 31 England 27
France are making a couple of changes in the front-row as Mauvaka and Bamba are on.
09:21pm
46 mins: France 31 England 27
France are inside the England 22 in possession and the visitors are under pressure but Itoje steps up with a crucial penalty for England at the breakdown.
09:21pm
45 mins: France 31 England 27
Putting it frankly, some of the decisions being made are just awful. England do not help themselves at times with their discipline but they have been on the receiving ends of some horrible calls.
09:20pm
44 mins: France 31 England 27
England have to sacrifice Earl temporarily as they need to bring on a loosehead prop with Genge in the bin. Rodd is on.
09:17pmKey moments • Tries • Video
TRY! Bielle-Biarrey completes hat-trick
The perfect start to the second half for the home side, disastrous for the visitors. With the man advantage, France make good progress through the likes of Attissogbe and Ollivon before Dupont spots numbers out to the left and loops the pass out to Bielle-Biarrey, who dots down in the corner for his hat-trick. A try machine! Ramos nails the conversion and, in the blink of an eye, France go from three behind to four in front.
09:15pm
Second half
France were out a fair bit before England, who ware welcomed back onto the pitch by plenty of boos. We are back under way at Stade de France. England the disruptors or France the champion? 40 minutes until we find out.
A reminder that England are down to 14 men for the first 10 minutes of this second half after Genge’s yellow card. Earl is back on having gone off just before half-time to get some blood cleaned up from his head.
09:11pm
Additional fans, temporarily!
It is safe to say that every single Ireland fan is an England supporter for the next 40 minutes of rugby. A reminder that, as it stands, Ireland would become champions. Our very own Charles Richardson is still over in Dublin and the pubs throughout the city will be lively tonight if England get over the line.
09:09pm
Vote now!
09:06pm
Have your say
09:04pm
40 minutes left
Just one half remains in the 2026 Six Nations and, as it stands, Ireland would be crowned champions, just over a month on from losing to France on opening night.
09:00pm
Half-time
That is the final act of the half and England lead by three at the break, although they will spend the first 10 minutes of the second half down to 14.
08:59pmKey moments • Tries • Video
PENALTY TRY FRANCE!
Genge is sent to the bin and a penalty try is given to France. That shows no consistency in the same half of rugby.
Ellis Genge is sent to the sin bin
England will be down to 14 men for the first 10 minutes of the second half after Genge was penalised for collapsing a maul close to the tryline
— ITV Rugby (@ITVRugby) March 14, 2026
08:59pm
40 mins: France 17 England 27
France have another penalty as England are adjudged to have brought down the maul illegally. Genge is the man who will be the focus of the TMO review. If Genge is sent to the bin, that will be inconsistent as France did not have a man sent to the bin earlier in the half.
08:56pm
40 mins: France 17 England 27
England are defending inside their 22 as we are seconds away from half-time but are caught offside. Do France just go for the easy three or go to the corner?
Jalibert sends it into the corner. Big, big call...
08:54pm
38 mins: France 17 England 27
It is easy to know who has just come on for England as Pollock has entered the fray.
08:53pm
PENALTY ENGLAND!
It is an easy three for F Smith and England lead by 10 with two minutes left in this first half.
08:52pm
37 mins: France 17 England 24
France are now caught offside just outside their 22, giving England the easiest of kicks at goal as we approach half-time...
08:51pm
36 mins: France 17 England 24
Both the French players and fans are rattled right now.
08:49pmKey moments • Tries
TRY! Coles secures England’s bonus point
The home faithful inside Stade de France is stunned to a silence. England already had a penalty advantage in hand as France bring down the maul but the visitors do not need it, coming down the blindside and Chessum offloads inside Coles to score. The ball falls off the tee with under 10 seconds left for F Smith to get his kick away, so the Northampton fly-half picks up and quickly sinks a quite sensational drop goal, putting it right through the middle.
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In the latest confounding twist of this Six Nations, England score a bonus point in Paris inside 35 minutes. They are unrecognisable from the rabble in Rome, with Fin Smith suddenly so brimful of confidence that he drop-kicks a conversion when the ball topples off the tee. Chants of God Save the King are now audible above the apprehensive French murmurs.
08:48pm
33 mins: France 17 England 17
That is huge from the England pack as they dominate on the French feed at a scrum not far outside the France 22 and win the penalty. The whole England team are pumped and the home crowd are silenced. F Smith puts the kick into the French 22.
08:47pm
31 mins: France 17 England 17
As it stands, Ireland would become Six Nations champions in 2026.
08:42pm
28 mins: France 17 England 17
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Back in Dublin, as you can imagine, these England tries are being received with rapturous applause.
08:40pmKey moments • Tries • Video
TRY! Chessum powers over
The French crowd are silenced. The hosts may have stopped the maul but there is no denying Chessum who powers over from close range. F Smith finally finds his range from the tee and we are all level at 17-17.
08:40pm
26 mins: France 17 England 10
Most of England’s backs join the maul but France’s pack does enough to halt them...
08:38pm
25 mins: France 17 England 10
England win the lineout and set the maul. It gets rolling and motors through the French 22. The arm is then out and France are penalised. The hosts are lucky that there was not a yellow card there as that England maul was flying along.
England go to the corner.
08:37pm
23 mins: France 17 England 10
Four French defenders go completely off their feet at a breakdown on halfway yet the home crowd have the cheek to complain about the penalty being given against their side!
England take play towards the French 22.
08:35pm
PENALTY FRANCE!
Ramos makes no mistake from the tee and France’s lead grows to seven.
08:35pm
21 mins: France 14 England 10
Has Jalibert scored or has Murley dotted down behind his own line? Jalibert chipped ahead towards the England line and the bounce is awkward for Murley but the England winger just about has possession as they both go to ground so it is no try.
We go back for a penalty to France anyway as England were offside near their own 22. France point for three...
08:30pmKey moments • Tries
TRY! Murley pounces on French error
Four tries in the opening 20 minutes. England make another entry into the French 22 and come away with a try. Spencer’s grubber kick ahead should be gathered by Attissogbe as he went back towards his own line but he spills it, allowing Murley to pounce and dot down. F Smith again misses the conversion and the gap is four. Will England live to regret those missed points from the tee?
England react quickly AGAIN
Ben Spencer's kick dips beyond the French defence and Cadan Murley is there for the try
That's 4 tries in the opening 18 minutes at the Stade de France pic.twitter.com/FKll3lT1F9
— ITV Rugby (@ITVRugby) March 14, 2026
08:27pm
15 mins: France 14 England 5
England are on the attack, inside the French 22, and are making good progress but their move is ended by an obstruction within 10 metres of the French line. Daly just got ahead and he is the man to be penalised.
08:23pmKey moments • Tries • Video
TRY! Bielle-Biarrey at the double
This man is a try machine and this has been a bonkers start to the game. Bielle-Biarrey owes a lot there to the vision and execution of Jalibert, whose left foot grubber kick is fantastic and gives Bielle-Biarrey the easiest of finishes. An easy conversion for Ramos and France lead by nine. That try all stemmed from England not clearing their lines.
08:23pm
11 mins: France 7 England 5
That is what you call a coach killer as England knock on almost immediately from the kick-off. Getting your exits right, especially just after scoring, is so basic and you cannot afford those mistakes at this level.
08:20pmKey moments • Tries • Video
TRY! Roebuck hits back for England
The perfect riposte from Steve Borthwick’s men. England are in possession in the French 22 and attack from left to right. Good, slick handling along the line leads to the final pass from Daly finding Roebuck, who finishes well in the right corner. F Smith’s conversion is wide.
England waste no time in their reaction
Elliot Daly pick out Tom Roebuck perfectly and England are back in this
What a start in Paris
— ITV Rugby (@ITVRugby) March 14, 2026
08:18pmKey moments • Tries
TRY! Bielle-Biarrey puts France in front
The Stade de France erupts with joy. The grubber kick from Ramos is put ahead into the England 22 and Daly makes a huge error stepping up when, had he stayed back, that try would never have been scored. The ball bounces kindly for Bielle-Biarrey instead of Murley, which allows the French winger to score his 26th try in 27 Tests. Ramos adds the extras and France lead 7-0.
What a finish. What a player
France lead thanks to a beautiful move from Louis Bielle-Biarrey
— ITV Rugby (@ITVRugby) March 14, 2026
08:17pmVideo
5 mins: France 0 England 0
Nearly an awkward moment for the referee Nika Amashukeli as Itoje tackles him as he tried to tackle Aldegheri.
08:16pm
4 mins: France 0 England 0
France rip the ball out of Atkinson’s hands inside their own half and look to counter. Ramos kicks ahead but his kick goes straight into touch. That was a missed opportunity as Bielle-Biarrey was sprinting down the touchline and had the ball stayed in it could have spelt trouble for England.
08:13pmVideo
1 min: France 0 England 0
England think for a second they have scored inside the opening minute but it is not to be. Daly’s grubber kick into the French 22 is nearly gathered by Freeman within 10 metres of the French line but Freeman loses it forward. France then knock on before Atkinson picks up and scores but there was the England knock-on before so it will not count. Nearly a dream start for England.
England ground the ball inside a minute but it will not count
A sharp start from Borthwick's side pic.twitter.com/9hMNKUdYKr
— ITV Rugby (@ITVRugby) March 14, 2026
08:11pm
Kick-off
We are under way at Stade de France. Will France seal back-to-back titles or will England do Ireland a huge favour?
08:08pm
Reminder of the teams
England starting XV: 15 Elliot Daly; 14 Tom Roebuck, 13 Tommy Freeman, 12 Seb Atkinson, 11 Cadan Murley; 10 Fin Smith, 9 Ben Spencer; 1 Ellis Genge, 2 Jamie George, 3 Joe Heyes, 4 Maro Itoje (captain), 5 Alex Coles, 6 Ollie Chessum, 7 Guy Pepper, 8 Ben Earl.
Replacements: 16 Luke Cowan-Dickie, 17 Bevan Rodd, 18 Trevor Davison, 19 Chandler Cunningham-South, 20 Sam Underhill, 21 Henry Pollock, 22 Jack van Poortvliet, 23 Marcus Smith.
France starting XV: 15 Thomas Ramos, 14 Theo Attissogbe, 13 Pierre-Louis Barassi, 12 Yoram Moefana, 11 Louis Bielle-Biarrey, 10 Matthieu Jalibert, 9 Antoine Dupont, 1 Jean-Baptiste Gros, 2 Julien Marchand, 3 Dorian Aldegheri, 4 Thibaud Flament, 5 Emmanuel Meafou, 6 Francois Cros, 7 Tevita Matitu, 8 Charles Ollivon.
Replacements: 16 Peato Mauvaka, 17 Rodrigue Neti, 18 Demba Bamba, 19 Hugo Auradou, 20 Mickael Guillard, 21 Joshua Brennan, 22 Baptiste Serin, 23 Emilien Gailleton.
08:06pm
Anthem time
After the customary lights show at Stade de France ahead of kick-off, both sides emerge from the tunnel and it is time for the national anthems. “God Save The King” followed by “La Marseillaise”.
England were led out by two men who bring up their 50th caps tonight, Sam Underhill and Marcus Smith, who are both on the bench.
08:01pm
Fin Smith on ‘that altercation’
07:59pmOpinion
Pre-match ceremony
Ahead of kick-off, Stade de France is celebrating 120 years of Le Crunch. Two horses come onto the pitch and a ball is handed to former French international Frédéric Michalak. The crowd are loving it! A little bit random but hey ho!
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Surely the most lavish Six Nations pre-match production ever conjured, as the Stade de France marks 120 years of Anglo-French rugby rivalry with what looks like a re-enactment of the Battle of Agincourt. Horses on the pitch, a ceremonial joust, a wall of flame. After Tom Cruise’s antics at the Olympic closing ceremony, it must be said that this place never stints on theatre.
07:57pmOpinion
Irish fans become English fans
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After witnessing Ireland defeat Scotland earlier, I have retired to a hotel at Dublin Airport for the England match. So, it’s RTE, rather than ITV, coverage for me. The in-studio punditry team is not exactly flying the flag for balance: Stephen Ferris, Simon Zebo, and Jamie Heaslip - all former Ireland internationals. Ferris has entered into the spirit of the evening, however, by unzipping his jacket to reveal an England shirt lurking beneath. Of course, an England victory hands Ireland the title. It was not just any old England shirt, either, but one of those glorious BT Cellnet numbers from the early 2000s. RTE, all is forgiven!
07:55pm
France defence coach Shaun Edwards speaking to ITV
07:54pmOpinion
Electric atmosphere in Paris
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The Grand Slam is gone but the French crowd is up for this big time. As a rule in life, I tend to despise the stadium announcers who attempt to inject ‘fun’ and ‘banter’ into prematch festivities but the pair at the Stade de France are getting the crowd properly worked up, including a hearty booing of the England line-up. Henry Pollock got the biggest jeers by far.
07:52pm
Pre-match thoughts of Steve Borthwick
07:49pmAnalysis
Memories of three years ago
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The Stade de France hosted one of England’s gutsiest performances in recent memory when they took the Springboks to the brink in the 2023 World Cup semi-final. Head coach Steve Borthwick desperately needs a similar display of defiance tonight. One key difference from that night is that it is currently bone dry despite a week of rain in Paris. You suspect England would have preferred it wet and wild.
07:46pm
Playing the disruptor?
07:43pm
Pre-match thoughts of Elliot Daly
07:40pm
Have your say
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07:38pmAnalysis
Focus on Pollock
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Regardless of the environment, Henry Pollock always offers a compelling character study. Even in the warm-up he rolls his shoulders, prowls the try line, and looks around at the increasingly febrile lower stands of the Stade de France with an expression suggesting he belongs.
07:35pm
Maro Itoje speaking about the on-field disagreement with Fin Smith during defeat to Italy
The England captain has explained what looked like a pretty tense moment between himself and fly-half Fin Smith last weekend:
07:31pmOpinion
Clash incoming?
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What odds that the night ends with TV viewers complaining about the clash of colours between the two shirts? France’s light blue shirt to celebrate 120 years of ‘Le Crunch’ is very light blue and the white numbers barely stand out. You heard it here first...
Un maillot pour un match .#FRAANG#XVdeFrance#Crunch120pic.twitter.com/IuRO72qPvV
— France Rugby (@FranceRugby) March 14, 2026
07:24pm
Trophy on its way
Will it be in French hands again by the end of the night or in Irish hands?
07:21pm
‘Smith to win 50th cap but England still have no idea how to use him’
Harlequins’ Marcus Smith will wear the number 23 shirt for England and is set to win his 50th cap but are they wasting Smith’s talent. Here is an excerpt from Daniel Schofield’s piece on Smith:
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Could England utilise Marcus Smith better? - Dan Mullan/Getty Images
07:16pm
The standings with just one game remaining
So this is what it comes down to. England were dreaming at the start that they would be playing for the Grand Slam tonight but that has not exactly gone to plan as they play just for pride and maybe a bit of spoiler tonight. They would have to lose by a ridiculous number to be passed by Wales. France know that any type of win will be enough to defend their title or a bonus-point draw (which would seem quite unlikely).
07:13pm
England’s Six Nations fixtures
February 7: England 48 Wales 7
February 14: Scotland 31 England 20
February 21: England 21 Ireland 42
March 7: Italy 23 England 18
Today: France vs England
When England thrashed Wales on the opening weekend, that made it 12 straight wins. However, since then, it has gone massively downhill from there. Three losses later and Steve Borthwick’s position has come under immense scrutiny. If England lost badly tonight, could that spell the end for Borthwick? Remember you can have your say in the comments section at the bottom of the blog.
07:09pm
Milestones
Sam Underhill and Marcus Smith will both earn their 50th England caps off the bench tonight. Underhill made his debut against Argentina in 2017 while Smith’s debut came in 2021 against the USA. Steve Borthwick has paid tribute to the both of them.
“Reaching 50 caps is a special achievement and a reflection of the consistency both Sam and Marcus have shown in an England shirt. They have both worked extremely hard for this milestone and it is a credit to them and the people who have supported them along the way.”
07:06pm
Schedule for 2026 Six Nations
Round 1
Thursday 5 February:
France 36 Ireland 14
Saturday 7 February:
Italy 18 Scotland 15
England 48 Wales 7
Round 2
Saturday 14 February:
Ireland 20 Italy 13
Scotland 31 England 20
Sunday 15 February:
Wales 12 France 54
Round 3
Saturday 21 February:
England 21 Ireland 42
Wales 23 Scotland 26
Sunday 22 February:
France 33 Italy 8
Round 4
Friday 6 March:
Ireland 27 Wales 17
Saturday 7 March:
Scotland 50 France 40
Italy 23 England 18
Round 5
Today:
Ireland 43 Scotland 21
Wales 31 Italy 17
France v England, Stade de France, Paris
06:56pmKey moments
Teams
Steve Borthwick has made just the one change to the starting XV from the defeat to Italy and it is injury-enforced with Tom Curry injured. Ollie Chessum therefore comes into the starting side in the back-row.
England starting XV: 15 Elliot Daly; 14 Tom Roebuck, 13 Tommy Freeman, 12 Seb Atkinson, 11 Cadan Murley; 10 Fin Smith, 9 Ben Spencer; 1 Ellis Genge, 2 Jamie George, 3 Joe Heyes, 4 Maro Itoje (captain), 5 Alex Coles, 6 Ollie Chessum, 7 Guy Pepper, 8 Ben Earl.
Replacements: 16 Luke Cowan-Dickie, 17 Bevan Rodd, 18 Trevor Davison, 19 Chandler Cunningham-South, 20 Sam Underhill, 21 Henry Pollock, 22 Jack van Poortvliet, 23 Marcus Smith.
France are without Oscar Jegou, who has been given a four-week ban for eye gouging during their defeat to Scotland. Tevita Matitu has been given his debut in the back-row. Anthony Jelonch misses out due to concussion.
France starting XV: 15 Thomas Ramos, 14 Theo Attissogbe, 13 Pierre-Louis Barassi, 12 Yoram Moefana, 11 Louis Bielle-Biarrey, 10 Matthieu Jalibert, 9 Antoine Dupont, 1 Jean-Baptiste Gros, 2 Julien Marchand, 3 Dorian Aldegheri, 4 Thibaud Flament, 5 Emmanuel Meafou, 6 Francois Cros, 7 Tevita Matitu, 8 Charles Ollivon.
Replacements: 16 Peato Mauvaka, 17 Rodrigue Neti, 18 Demba Bamba, 19 Hugo Auradou, 20 Mickael Guillard, 21 Joshua Brennan, 22 Baptiste Serin, 23 Emilien Gailleton.
06:51pmKey moments
Will France defend their title and condemn England to fourth consecutive defeat?
England head to Paris under pressure, trying to avoid four consecutive defeats, as they take on France in the final round of the 2026 Six Nations. It all started so well for England, comfortably beating Wales on the opening weekend to make it 12 straight wins, and at that moment it appeared that we were destined for a title shoot-out in Paris tonight.
However, it has gone massively downhill from there to say the least. England lost to Scotland in the Calcutta Cup at Murrayfield and Ireland before succumbing to their first-ever defeat to Italy last time out. Steve Borthwick’s side enter the final round in fifth place, with only Wales behind them, and can only finish as high as fourth. Borthwick’s position has come under fire but has received the backing, at least for now, from the RFU.
“Clearly being in Test week is not the time for discussing end-of-tournament reviews,” Borthwick said. “As you would respect, we have got a game against France on Saturday and that is our focus. In terms of the areas, I am pretty clear on what needs to be addressed and how we need to address it. There are one or two areas I have already discussed and other bits that we will dig into immediately post-tournament.”
England have not won in France since 2016, when a 31-21 win secured the title and Grand Slam in Eddie Jones’ first Six Nations campaign in charge.
“It is a huge challenge under the lights in Paris against a very strong France side,” Borthwick added. “England vs France is one of the great rivalries in international rugby and we are looking forward to the occasion.”
It all looked to be going to plan for France, comfortably beating Ireland, Wales and Italy as they looked on course for back-to-back titles for the first time since 2006/2007. However, a high-scoring defeat to Scotland last weekend has thrown everything into question. After Ireland’s win over Scotland earlier today, France know that any win will seem defend their title.
When these sides met at Allianz Stadium in 2025, England claimed a one-point victory courtesy of Elliot Daly’s late try, which kickstarted their 12-game winning run that ended earlier in this tournament. France won the last meeting on French soil, winning 33-31 in Lyon in March 2024.
Kick-off from Paris is at 8.10pm.
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