France secure record win over sorry England
Rampant France ran in seven tries to overwhelm a ragged England 53-10, their biggest ever win over the English and first in the Six Nations at Twickenham for 18 years.
Owen Farrell Sport News
Watson backs Marcus Smith’s ‘X factor’ to inspire England against France
England are looking to the “X factor” of Marcus Smith to dazzle France and lift the home crowd out of their seats in the latest edition of Le Crunch at Twickenham. The fly-half, promoted to the starting lineup at the expense of Owen Farrell, has been given a licence to play and his teammate Anthony Watson has confirmed the hosts will seek to express themselves right from the start.
England have been waiting for France – it’s time to let the handbrake off
T his already has the feel of a vintage Six Nations season and the next two weekends could be similarly memorable. Even at a grey, deserted Twickenham, as England’s players huddled tight in their final eve-of-game training session, there was a sense of anticipation in the chilly air. If France are to win a championship game in London for the first time since 2005 they are going to have to earn it.
Ellis Genge to lead England for first time with encouragement from early mentor
Ellis Genge will lead England for the first time against France on Saturday lifted by praise from an early mentor for shackling his wilder instincts.
Owen Farrell demotion not based on kicking as Marcus Smith takes fly-half mantle
Steve Borthwick insists Owen Farrell’s demotion to the bench was based on more than goalkicking as he made the shock decision to pick Marcus Smith at fly-half for England’s clash with France.
Marcus Smith to start for England with Owen Farrell on bench against France
Steve Borthwick has dropped Owen Farrell from the England team to face France on Saturday with Marcus Smith starting at fly-half and Ellis Genge captaining the side for the first time.
England captain Farrell dropped for France clash as Smith steps in at flyhalf
:England captain Owen Farrell has been dropped for their Six Nations clash against reigning champions France with coach Steve Borthwick making the bold decision to start Marcus Smith at flyhalf for the game at Twickenham on Saturday.
England name Marcus Smith at fly-half as captain Owen Farrell dropped
Marcus Smith has been entrusted with the fly-half duties for England’s Guinness Six Nations clash with France after Steve Borthwick made the bombshell decision to drop captain Owen Farrell.