The Six Nations Tournament delivered a thrilling rugby moment as England edged out France 26-25, thanks to a last-minute converted try by Elliot Daly, reigniting their championship aspirations.
At the Allianz Stadium, England gave their supporters an unforgettable finale by narrowly defeating France, 26-25. This victory, sealed by Elliot Daly’s last-minute converted try, breathed new life into England’s Six Nations campaign, sparking wild celebrations in the stands.
Photos : France Rugby/England Rugby/DR
An intense and thrilling duel
From the kickoff, the match was a rollercoaster of emotions. After a challenging year marked by defeats against major teams, England finally managed to turn the tide. The closing minutes were particularly intense, with both teams exchanging tries. The French, favorites coming into the match, believed they had secured the win with Louis Bielle-Biarrey’s second try in the 75th minute, but the English refused to give up.
Rise of a young talent
Central to this victory was Fin Smith, a young fly-half who handled the pressure like a seasoned pro. Having displaced Marcus Smith from the number 10 jersey, Fin Smith showcased why he is regarded as the future of the team. His first contribution saw his kick blocked by the French defense, yet he remained undeterred.
Photos : France Rugby/England Rugby/DR
A balanced first half
France had the opportunity to take the lead by scoring three times in the first half, but wet conditions and occasional imprecision hampered their efforts. The English defense, robust and disciplined, stifled the creativity of Antoine Dupont and Damian Penaud. The 7-7 halftime score reflected the fierce competition on the field.
Decisive moments
The match swung back and forth, notably when Fin Smith executed a perfect kick to the right, allowing Tommy Freeman to score and give England the lead for the first time. Although France quickly responded with a try from Damian Penaud, the English pressed on. A crucial penalty from Fin Smith put England back in front before Bielle-Biarrey scored again for the French.
The dream ending
Ultimately, Elliot Daly’s last-minute converted try ended England’s losing streak against top-tier teams, marking their first such victory in seven encounters. This triumph revitalizes England’s ambitions in the Six Nations, demonstrating that the team has rediscovered its competitive edge and ability to perform at the highest level.
Photos : France Rugby/England Rugby/DR
