England train ahead of France’s visit in the Six Nations
England face a fascinating test of the progress they have made under Steve Borthwick as they welcome France to Twickenham for Le Crunch in Round 4 of the Six Nations.
Borthwick’s side have bounced back well from a disheartening opening-round defeat to Scotland with wins over Italy and Wales but Fabien Galthie’s France will be a different proposition altogether entirely. The reigning grand slam champions may have lost to Ireland three weeks ago but are still in contention for the championship and have been one of the top two sides in the world over the past 18 months.
Borthwick has made his boldest team selection call yet by dropping captain Owen Farrell to the bench, with Marcus Smith starting at fly half instead. After abandoning the Smith-Farrell 10-12 axis that Eddie Jones preferred following that loss to Scotland, Farrell has owned the No 10 jersey but his struggles, especially from the kicking tee, means the coach is going in a brave new direction.
Meanwhile France – who are looking for a first win at Twickenham under Galthie – welcome back centre Jonathan Danty from injury in place of Yoram Moefana. Francois Cros also replaces the injured Anthony Jelonch in the back row and suspended prop Mohamed Haouas makes way for Dorian Aldegheri to complete the three changes from the win over Scotland last time out.
Follow live updates from England vs France in the Six Nations, below, following the conclusion of Italy vs Wales
HALF TIME! ITALY 3-22 WALES
(Getty Images)
Harry Latham-Coyle11 March 2023 15:08
Italy 3-22 Wales, 41 minutes
A cross-kick comes to nigh, with a rather uncomfortable tumble for Liam Williams after claiming. Back for the penalty…
Or not! The TMO informs Damon Murphy that the challebnge on Williams was worthy of a reversal, so Italy will miss out on points.
A disaster half for the hosts – the smiling Welsh squad follow Owen Williams’ kick down the tunnel.
Harry Latham-Coyle11 March 2023 15:08
Italy 3-22 Wales, 40 minutes
Giacomo Nicotera hits his front jumper and in the bodies pile, Edoardo Padovani and Tommaso Menoncello lending their weight.
Wales somehow quell it a metre shy. But another advantage is coming…
Harry Latham-Coyle11 March 2023 15:05
Italy 3-22 Wales, 39 minutes
A third penalty in quick succession against the visitors. Paolo Garbisi charges his forwards with another go in the corner.
Harry Latham-Coyle11 March 2023 15:04
Italy 3-22 Wales, 39 minutes
Italy stick the penalty into the corner.
Simone Ferrari returns in place of Marco Riccioni, now with heavy strapping around his eyebrows.
Harry Latham-Coyle11 March 2023 15:03
Italy 3-22 Wales, 38 minutes
The hosts need a score before the interval to have any hope, you’d say. They earn another penalty as a rolling Ken Owens forces Stephen Varney to fly off his feet, rather like a contest struck by the sweeper on Total Wipeout.
Harry Latham-Coyle11 March 2023 15:03
Italy 3-22 Wales, 36 minutes
Wales return to the Italian 22, but Giacomo Nicotera limpets over the ball after Joe Hawkins is superbly cut down by Paolo Garbisi. A crucial, timely turnover from the hooker.
Harry Latham-Coyle11 March 2023 15:01
PENALTY TRY! Italy 3-22 WALES (Penalty try, 34 minutes)
There’s no grounding apparent, but Wales will have seven points regardless – it’s a penalty try.
Lorenzo Cannone was buried at the bottom of the collapsed mass, and is duly sent to the sin bin for his infringement. Wales extend their lead and can go on the hunt for a first half bonus point.
Harry Latham-Coyle11 March 2023 15:00
TRY? Italy 3-15 Wales, 34 minutes
The maul gets-a-moving and a few Welsh arms lift in celebration, but referee Damon Murphy desires further inspection. Upstairs for a look.
Harry Latham-Coyle11 March 2023 14:57
Italy 3-15 Wales, 33 minutes
Italy halt the maul illegally; the Welsh attack with advantage goes awry and they’ll instead prod the penalty into the corner.
Harry Latham-Coyle11 March 2023 14:56
