Daly late show helps England edge France in Six Nations thriller

Replacement Elliot Daly's try a minute from time helped England to a thrilling 26-25 Six Nations win over France at a rainswept Twickenham on Saturday.

Fin Smith, starting his first Test at flyhalf, had to add the conversion to edge the hosts ahead for a win to ease the pressure on beleaguered coach Steve Borthwick.

France were 25-19 ahead with just six minutes left after winger Louis Bielle-Biarrey scored his second try after England replacement Fin Baxter powered over for a try which Fin Smith converted following two missed goal-kicks from Marcus Smith.

England's victory ended a run of seven straight defeats by major nations, a sequence notable for the team's lack of composure in the closing stages.

But with Fin Smith holding his nerve admirably, England kept their cool late on before 32-year-old Daly, who had only been on the field for three minutes, went over.

France dominated territory and possession in the first half yet, with normally reliable goal-kicker Thomas Ramos off target, they turned round level at 7-7.

Two Ramos penalties early in the second half did give France a 13-7 lead before England winger Tommy Freeman's unconverted try cut their advantage to just a point.

France wideman Damian Penaud's unconverted 60th-minute try meant Les Bleus led 18-12 but there was more drama to come.

Borthwick decided to start Fin Smith at 10 and move namesake Marcus to fullback following England's 27-22 loss to champions Ireland in their tournament opener last week.

But it was France, fresh from a 43-0 rout of Wales, who threatened first when captain Antoine Dupont's cross-kick just failed to find Penaud.

Ramos then pulled a 40-metre penalty wide.

Even allowing for the wet conditions, there was arguably an even greater surprise when