Six Nations

Everything you need to know about England's crunch Six Nations 2023 match against France at Twickenham. Rugby Union - Six Nations Championship - Wales v ...

France’s physicality has been the base for their success and Paul Willemse sits at the bottom of that pyramid as one of rugby union’s most imposing figures. Despite the height advantage Willemse holds over the Saracens forward, Itoje’s athleticism and intelligent interferences may make up what he concedes in strength. Itoje is also an excellent lineout jumper and has a superb ability to disrupt opposition set-piece plays. The duo take to the pitch again this weekend as Courtney Lawes has had to bow out with a shoulder injury. Ntamack, on the other hand, is a calm and composed playmaker, who is renowned for his tactical kicking and vision. Dupont is known for his lightning-fast acceleration and quick decision-making, which allows him to create opportunities for his teammates with ease. Particularly as Farrell has struggled off the tee with a kicking success rate of merely 47 per cent in the first three rounds. Opposite Lawrence and his centre partner Henry Slade is Gael Fickou at 13. Fickou will cause trouble for both Lawrence, Slade, and even Smith. The 9 and 10 began their partnership in England’s dismal autumn, but may yet flourish under Borthwick’s regime. It’s a big call, and one that could pay off in a big way. [dropped in a bombshell move from England head coach Steve Borthwick](https://inews.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/owen-farrell-dropped-why-marcus-smith-selection-explained-england-captain-vs-france-2200424?ico=in-line_link), with [Marcus Smith starting at fly-half against France](https://inews.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/england-team-vs-france-starting-line-up-replacements-six-nations-2023-fixture-2197820?ico=in-line_link) after two brief cameos from the bench against Italy and [Wales](https://inews.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/six-nations-2023-anthony-watson-england-progress-steve-borthwick-wooden-spoon-beckons-wales-2174144?ico=in-line_link).

Saturday 2:15pm – Italy v Wales Wales to Win Saturday 4:45pm – England v France France Halftime/Fulltime. A double with these bets pays at approximately 7/2 ...

I think France will win comfortably against England on Saturday. We haven’t seen the best of France yet but I think we’ll do so on Saturday against the auld enemy. Italy taking on Wales is a bit of a tricky game.

Sportsmail breaks down everything you need to know ahead of England's fourth Six Nations game against holders France as Borthwick's side chase their third ...

And what are the starting line-ups? England will play their fourth Six Nations game against France on Saturday afternoon, with the match getting underway at 4.45pm. [England](/sport/england_rugby_team/index.html) will be looking to pick up their third straight win in the [Six Nations](/sport/six_nations/index.html) when they face holders [France](/sport/france-rugby/index.html). - Steve Borthwick's England face France in their fourth game in the Six Nations When is it? England will be looking to pick up their third win in a row when they face holders France in a crucial Six Nations showdown, but how can you watch the game?

Follow game England vs France live updates coverage, stream information, score and result online, prediction, TV channel, lineups and time of the 2023 Six ...

In the second half, the English gave no rein to Wales and with Sinckler and Lawrence's try and Farrell's conversion they gave no quarter to the local team. The first-placed team has won all three matches they have played, Ireland, who have a five-point lead. The only match they lost was against Ireland. England have won on more occasions in the last five matches they have played. The match between England vs France can be watched on ESPN. Keep an eye on the match with VAVEL's minute-by-minute live online coverage.

Referee shows two players, Italy's Michele Rizzo & France's Rabah Slimani, red cards for foul play as France takes on Italy in the 2nd round clash of the RBS 6 ...

So here’s a roundup of the best on-pitch fights of the Six Nations era. Referee shows two players, Italy’s Michele Rizzo & France’s Rabah Slimani, red cards for foul play as France takes on Italy in the 2nd round clash of the RBS 6 Nations Championship from the Stade de France. Is there anyone who doesn’t like a bit of good old-fashioned, ’70s-style on-field brawling?

Minute-by-minute report: Join Lee Calvert for updates as the Six Nations' bottom two sides seek their first win this year.

From the breakdown tight to the sideline, Webb realises there’s not much on and chips a speculatinve kick into the corner that Dyer chases, the bounce keeps it in and avoids Padovani and Allan, allowing the Wales winger to yoink it and run in. The fullback was so shocked he forgot to let go of the ball on the ground. Garbisi decides this is not the time for their usual five phases in their own 22 and boots to touch early to clear. The forwards catch it and it’s released to a trademark pattern in the backs that gets them outside the narrow Wales defence, but the final pass is floated above Padovani’s head and into touch. Italy have their first platform of note in the game from a lineout on the Wales 22. Williams legs it towards the line and a combination of his stepping and strength gets him over the line.

Now they have their sights set on a first home win for a decade in this competition despite the loss of Ange Capuozzo, having lost out with some spirited ...

It deserved a bit of luck with the bounce. Now they have their sights set on a first home win for a decade in this competition despite the loss of Ange Capuozzo, having lost out with some spirited displays in recent weeks. [Warren Gatland](/topic/warren-gatland) as head coach, opening with three successive defeats to make their worst start since 2007 against a backdrop of an ongoing rugby crisis in the country. The Azzurri’s shock last-gasp win in Cardiff 12 months ago ended their 36-match Six Nations losing streak that dated back to 2015 and provided a platform for real growth. Italy 3-15 Wales [Six Nations](/topic/six-nations) round four opens with an intriguing clash at the [Stadio Olimpico](/topic/stadio-olimpico) this afternoon.

Warren Gatland's Wales head to Rome hoping to avoid their first wooden spoon in 20 years.

"I just wanted to be out on the pitch with the boys. "Dafydd Jenkins is still learning his roles in terms of calling the lineouts, defensively, but he has got a bit of a hard edge about him. I've always wanted to be involved in the Wales team and have that number nine jersey. "But my son's age group were going to watch the game in the Principality Stadium with his rugby team and he asked if I could go. It is what it is, and we have to get on with things." Rhys Webb ends a six-year Guinness Six Nations absence in the Wales number nine shirt today, admitting he did not even want to watch the team play during his international exile. It was also the first time Wales under-20s had finished on the losing side in Italy, proving to be a desperately disappointing night. Wales head coach Warren Gatland revealed on Thursday that a threat of possible player strike action before the Six Nations appointment with England last month caused a significant split and tension within his squad. With the financial situation, there might be some opportunity to free up some salaries, I don't know the ins and outs of how that works. If an offer comes over it wouldn't just be about the club, I've got a young family as well, so it needs to be right for me as well. If they lose by more than 15 points, however, they will drop to a shambolic 13th place below the likes of Samoa and Georgia. Successive defeats against Ireland, Scotland and England have left Wales scrambling around the Six Nations basement, yet to break their points duck and scoring only three tries in more than four hours of rugby.

Updates from Saturdays Six Nations round four matches; Italy host Wales at Stadio Olimpico (2.15pm), before England tackle defending champions France at ...

Italy host Wales in a clash of this year's two winless teams.

Boos at the full time whistle of an England home fixture for the second time in a matter of months. Antoine Dupont, Gael Fickou, Thomas Ramos and Gregory Alldritt were all outstanding for the visitors, to name just four from a complete dismantling of an inferior side. “France are brilliant, there’s a reason they are number two in the world. You’d say Borthwick might be inclined to go back to his appointed captain in Dublin, but almost anything is surely now on the table. “We were well beaten by 43 points; when you play like that against a team so well coached and with ability like that, that’s going to happen. They played well, we played poorly - we have to learn from it and be better. England were shambolic, as their opponents dominated every facet of the game and scored seemingly at will. [France](https://www.independent.co.uk/topic/france-rugby) aren’t even the best team in this [Six Nations](https://www.independent.co.uk/topic/six-nations). Any credit Borthwick had built up as an ex-England captain, with an impressive coaching CV early in his career and as the ideal, straightforward man to follow the drama of the unpopular Eddie Jones era has likely been extinguished. “I think that we are incredibly disappointed with the performance. The main bearing on the game was the contact area. Never before, in 152 years of playing international rugby, had an England team suffered a home defeat this heavy.

Wales' problem this championship, among many, has been coming away from the opposition 22 without any points. That penalty could be worth more than just the ...

Wales work through the phases inside the Italy half. They go into this match against Italy facing a huge battle to avoid the Wooden Spoon. Their endeavour earns them a penalty for offside and they go for the points. Good for Italy who this year have looked to keep ball in hand and been great to watch as a result. Wales then earn a penalty at the breakdown and breathe a big sigh of relief. Garbisi pass takes out the Wales defence but the subsequent pass is out on the full. Italy are asking questions of this Wales defence and should have had a try here. Line-out for Italy in the Wales 22 - can they get something from this. And the video boffins decide that it was, in the form of Cannone, indeed collapsed and it's a penalty try. Wales defend brilliantly forcing the hosts to play too laterally, they force the kick and Liam Williams is taken out in the air. Italy again illustrate why they're so good to watch, they keep the ball in hand inside their own 22 and break at pace on the left. The conversion is added and it's back to a 19-point advantage.

Kieran Crowley's young side have lost all three of their matches in this year's tournament but have impressed on each occasion, running holders France and Grand ...

Italy are in the uncommon position of being favourites for a Six Nations match as they host troubled Wales in Rome on Saturday battling to avoid yet another Six Nations wooden spoon. Italy have delighted their long-suffering fans with exciting rugby this year and are a point above the bottom team, meaning a win for the Azzurri would all but guarantee Wales finish bottom. Upbeat Italy and troubled Wales battle to avoid Six Nations wooden spoon

One of his vice-skippers, prop Ellis Genge, will lead the team instead. It's a bold decision from Borthwick but one he hopes will pay off handsomely as England ...

It is a bit of a mystery at the moment. I thought we would get a measure of where we are at, there is a big gap between us and the top teams in the world. We are way off where we want to be. “It was a very special game for us and we tried to make it count. “We played the way we wanted to play... "Certainly you have to give immense credit to France and they are clearly a world-class team. “That is one of our worst performances and we were punished numerous times. Thibaud Flament crossed twice, so did Charles Ollivon and the excellent Thomas Ramos claimed a try to boot. “It was great to score. It shows we’re on the right path. It’s our biggest performance in a while.” Thibaut Flament, Charles Ollivon and Damian Penaud all notched braces for France, who got a very early score from the sublime Thomas Ramos as they won by a staggering 43 points, 53-10.

Marcus Smith starts at fly half as England host France at Twickenham in Le Crunch.

Boos at the full time whistle of an England home fixture for the second time in a matter of months. Antoine Dupont, Gael Fickou, Thomas Ramos and Gregory Alldritt were all outstanding for the visitors, to name just four from a complete dismantling of an inferior side. “France are brilliant, there’s a reason they are number two in the world. You’d say Borthwick might be inclined to go back to his appointed captain in Dublin, but almost anything is surely now on the table. “We were well beaten by 43 points; when you play like that against a team so well coached and with ability like that, that’s going to happen. They played well, we played poorly - we have to learn from it and be better. England were shambolic, as their opponents dominated every facet of the game and scored seemingly at will. [France](https://www.independent.co.uk/topic/france-rugby) aren’t even the best team in this [Six Nations](https://www.independent.co.uk/topic/six-nations). Any credit Borthwick had built up as an ex-England captain, with an impressive coaching CV early in his career and as the ideal, straightforward man to follow the drama of the unpopular Eddie Jones era has likely been extinguished. “I think that we are incredibly disappointed with the performance. The main bearing on the game was the contact area. Never before, in 152 years of playing international rugby, had an England team suffered a home defeat this heavy.

Minute-by-minute report: 'Le Crunch' returns with this year's edition at Twickenham. Join Lee Calvert.

The first penalty of the match for England is despatched to touch on the France 22 by Smith. Marchand goes over the top of the lineout to Fickou, but the contact skills are poor from France and the ball is back in England hands around halfway. Smith has a short dart into the France 22 and the fast recycle finds Malins who nudges the ball with his toe into touch near the goal-line. England are disorganised in backfield and Dupont, eyes like a stocky hawk, spots this and blooters a left footed 50:22 from the base of the ruck to give his side a lineout deep in England territory. From the scrum, England finally get some quicker ball from the breakdown, but the French defence covers the phases well. A horrible restart drill from England leaves Dombrandt isolated and a huge French counter-ruck wins a penalty. The England forwards go hard at the France pack in the scrum. The scrum completes with England trying a similar move to that which led to a try vs Wales via the inside pop to Malins. France hammer the England tacklers, but again the home side are up to it, but the blue waves continue to come as the visitors’ dominance is reasserted. The ball comes loose as Smith releases it and England do nothing with it so Ollivon reaches over to press down on the ball. Itoje nabs the ball in the breakdown and puts England on the attack before the ball is lost in the French 22. As the clock ticks into the red, France have a pen on their 5m line.

Jonathan Danty, the France centre, will make his first international appearance of this year's Six Nations as one of three changes to Fabien Galthié's starting ...

To think this was a France side supposedly on the decline. Short of putting on a can-can dance at the Moulin Rouge, Scotland could not have done more a fortnight ago in Paris to advertise the danger of making a slow start against the French. Even then Dupont produced the best kick of the first half with a 50-22 that France converted into a try with a clever lineout move leading to Flament barrelling his way between Lewis Ludlam and Henry Slade. From the scrum, France got the nudge on and the back row split right with Ollivon powering through Smith’s tackle. Most England supporters, however, will feel a sense of deep foreboding of several more unwanted records being set in the Aviva Stadium. With such a platform, the magnificent Antoine Dupont restated his case as the best player in the world with [Thomas Ramos and Penaud providing the cutting edge](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/2023/03/11/england-abandoned-defensive-system-mid-game-made-things-even/). Instead they have flatlined if not fallen off the face of a cliff. Borthwick’s intention to give fly-half Marcus Smith the reins to run the game never came to pass with England getting dominated in the collisions. Instead it is about how England have regressed so alarmingly since fielding the youngest ever team in a World Cup final. The party in the stands among the considerable travelling contingent started as early as the first minute and it did not let up. Expect captain Owen Farrell to return to the starting XV in some capacity next week when England go to Dublin hoping to avoid a cricket score. Whatever fear factor that used to be engendered by coming to Twickenham has disappeared in the ether as France celebrated their first victory here in the six nations since 2005 when Tony Blair was Prime Minister and U2 were No 1.

Scrumhalf Rhys Webb produced a superb individual display in his first start for six years to inspire Wales to a 29-17 bonus-point victory over error-strewn ...

"I thought we deserved to win today, and with the bonus point which was great," Gatland told S4C. Their two tries came from flanker Sebastian Negri and centre Juan Ignacio Brex. Register for free to Reuters and know the full story

Wales picked up their first victory of the 2023 Six Nations campaign after they beat Italy 29-17 in Rome, exacting revenge for last year's defeat.

Williams’ conversion opened up a 10-0 lead and the visitors were off to a flying start. [Italy](https://www.planetrugby.com/team/italy), who will lament a series of costly errors as it was a wasteful performance from the hosts. And Wales punished their hosts when Webb broke clear and delivered a scoring pass to Faletau, with Williams’ conversion opening up a 29-10 lead and securing a bonus point. Referee Damon Murphy awarded Wales a penalty try and yellow-carded Italy number eight Lorenzo Cannone, with the visitors taking a 22-3 lead into half-time. Williams then kicked Wales deep into the Italian 22 and a powerful lineout drive resulted in Italy illegally collapsing a maul. Italy looked lethargic and nervous in comparison and Wales extended their lead with a ninth-minute try.

England take on France in what could be a pivotal game in this year's Six Nations Championship. England currently sit third in the table level on points ...

England boss Steve Borthwick has made a huge call by dropping Owen Farrell in favour of Marcus Smith. The winner will still be able to win albeit in unlikely circumstances. England currently sit third in the table level on points with France and still harbour distant hopes of lifting the title. The match kicks-off at 4:45 and is available to watch live on Virgin Media 1. Ramos sprints clear and is on the receiving end of a Dumortier pass. They also could still win the tournament but must rely on other results going their way.

Wales recorded a first win of their Guinness Six Nations campaign after beating Italy 29-17 at Stadio Olimpico.

Williams' conversion opened up a 10-0 lead and the visitors were off to a flying start. Referee Damon Murphy awarded Wales a penalty try and yellow-carded Italy number eight Lorenzo Cannone, with the visitors taking a 22-3 lead into half-time. Italy needed a response and it arrived through an Allan penalty after 16 minutes, yet Wales were immediately back on the front foot.

We are fast approaching kick off at Twickenham Stadium, with little under an hour to go before the 2023 edition of 'Le Crunch'. England and France have met ...

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Following a 29-17 victory for Wales over Italy in their Six Nations fixture, here's our five takeaways from the match at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday.

Leigh Halfpenny and Biggar probably would have converted those two opportunities, while Williams also wasted a chance when he failed to find touch in the second half. Tommaso Allan started at number 15 in his absence, and whilst the Harlequins star showed some flashes of brilliance, his performance was a mixed bag. Had they been on their game there’s little doubt the Italians would have been right in the contest at the turnaround, if not leading, but errors were all too frequent as they butchered key opportunities. Others must fill in his shoes if they are to cause a shock. Crowley’s face at half-time was like thunder and one can understand why as his Italian players would have turned any coach grey after that first-half showing. Indeed, his kick would lay on their opening try as Rio Dyer crossed for a crucial score.

England crash to record 53-10 defeat against France at Twickenham; France score seven tries to keep Six Nations title hopes alive; Wales record 29-17 win ...

Marcus Smith's introduction to the starting XV couldn't inspire England to a result against France, who secured their first Six Nations win at Twickenham ...

That applied the finishing touches to England's biggest home loss in history (or Five and Four Nations, for that matter), highlighting a dire need for changes ahead of this year's "We played the way we wanted to play. That try illustrated the gulf in impetus between the two teams, with England lacking the alertness and physicality of their guests. It shows we're on the right path." France flexed their ingenuity for Ollivon's brace in particular, the back-rower nonchalantly reaching over England's ruck to dot down following Ramos' all-too-simple break and chip deep into enemy territory. "We got exposed today," he told Stand-in fly-half Smith briefly narrowed the lead with a paltry penalty soon after, only for France to hit back before the break. We probably have to be better in the contact area which is on the forwards." The Red Rose showed signs of blooming in an improved second half but was left with too much to do after heading in at the break 27-3 down. [Bristol](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/bristol-rugby)'s [Ellis Genge](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/ellis-genge) said he 'wouldn't sugar coat' his analysis after standing in as captain for the absent Farrell, praising the "brilliant" Bleus while adding England "are way off where we want to be." Charles Ollivon, Thibaud Flament and Damian Penaud each scored two tries apiece as Les Bleus banked their first Six Nations win at Headquarters since 2005. [Steve Borthwick](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/steve-borthwick)'s [England](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/england-rugby-union-team) revolution stalled at Twickenham on Saturday after [France](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/france-rugby-union-team) flew to a record-breaking 53-10 [Six Nations](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/six-nations) win in hostile territory.

England endured their biggest ever home defeat as France scored seven tries in a 53-10 thrashing.

Trailing 27-3 at half-time – their highest interval deficit at Twickenham in any fixture – they were in the midst of full-blown crisis having been taken ...

— Guinness Six Nations (@SixNationsRugby)

France kept alive its chances of retaining the Six Nations rugby title after a record, seven-try 53-10 humiliation of England at Twickenham fueled by two ...

“It is a bit of a mystery at the moment.” Ollivon’s second try was somewhat farcical after England flyhalf Marcus Smith lost possession of the ball in his attempt to get back over his own tryline after retrieving a kick. From the moment Flament broke England’s flimsy defensive line in his own half to help set up a second-minute try by Thomas Ramos, the French looked a class apart.

France put in a masterclass of a performance as they hammered England 53-10 in a record-breaking showing in the Six Nations on Saturday.

[England](https://www.planetrugby.com/team/england)‘s only crossing of the evening as this was a chastening defeat that will no doubt sting Steve Borthwick and his players. Flament was exceptional, Ramos phenomenonal, Fickou and Danty perfect, Dupont was Dupont. France absolutely and totally dominant. Flament crossed in the 26th minute but it was too easy for the lock as passive England were overpowered in contact. Antoine Dupont grew in influence as he weaved his magic around the ruck but it was the power of forwards François Cros and Flament that did the damage for the next try. [France](https://www.planetrugby.com/team/france) who raced out of the blocks and when lock Paul Willemse offloaded out of the tackle they were away, with Ethan Dumortier sending Ramos over in the left corner.

Steve Borthwick says he is "incredibly disappointed" with England's humiliating record defeat to France at Twickenham in the Six Nations, adding they are ...

"Now, what's clear is while we had plans in place today to mitigate against that power, we didn't execute enough and made errors. I said before the game it was a formidable challenge, and it turned out to be. We've got to learn from it and be better. And that hurts us, and I'm sure it hurts the supporters as well. My job is to make sure we learn and improve faster than any other team. Today just shows, in stark reality, what that's about.

Wales boss Warren Gatland hailed the excellence of scrum-half Rhys Webb after their 29-17 Guinness Six Nations victory over Italy at Stadio Olimpico.

"Italy are where they are because of the way they have played over the last 10 years. It was a victory for the whole squad." It's very clear there was a tackle made, so there is a tackle line and their No 10 tackled Brex. "We fought our way back into it. I thought it was a great contribution by him." Wales captain Ken Owens said: "We will grow from this.

LONDON (AP) — The only team with any bite in “Le Crunch” was France. On one of the darkest days in English rugby history, France put on a clinic by running ...

“It is a bit of a mystery at the moment.” Ollivon’s second try was somewhat farcical after England flyhalf Marcus Smith lost possession of the ball in his attempt to get back over his own tryline after retrieving a kick. From the moment Flament broke England’s flimsy defensive line in his own half to help set up a second-minute try by Thomas Ramos, the French looked a class apart.

Visitors score seven tries to record first win in the Six Nations at Twickenham for 18 years.

“It was a very special game for us and we tried to make it count,” Flament told ITV. “It was great to score. Tries by fullback Thomas Ramos, lock Thibaud Flament and flanker Charles Ollivon gave the visitors a 27-3 halftime lead.

France player ratings: No matter what the fortunes of either side going into it, England-France in the Guinness Six Nations is always a...

Monstered [Ellis Genge](https://www.rugbypass.com/players/ellis-genge/) on 40 minutes which directly lead to Ollivon’s try. Sipili Faletea’s star turn two weekends ago wasn’t quite followed up here, with Genge getting into him at the setpiece. No quarter was shown to the English at the breakdown and the La Rochelle man won pretty much every moment in which he was involved. Did brilliantly at the less glamourous stuff, pouncing on a loose ball that had questionably popped out of an English ruck saving France’s jambon with English moving ominously towards their try line. Made a telling open-field contribution for France’s first try and got one of his own after accelerating onto a fine Dupont pop pass close to the English line. Latched onto Lewis Ludlum for a timely jackal that led to an attacking lineout for France. Used as an effective carry option twice in the opening three minutes. So effortlessly cool that he looks bored most of time. Bar one shanked effort, he kicked well with ball in hand. No box office moments this week even if his mere presence seemed to unnerve a feverish English midfield, who were suffering the effect of severe ball starvation. Showed his mettle in the frequent high-stakes kicking battles that littered the first half. Worryingly bad from England and frightening good at times from France.

Italy, who wasted a host of chances, now look destined to finish bottom of the Six Nations table.

Williams’ conversion opened up a 10-0 lead and the visitors were off to a flying start. And Wales punished their hosts when Webb broke clear and delivered a scoring pass to Faletau, with Williams’ conversion opening up a 29-10 lead and securing a bonus point. Referee Damon Murphy awarded Wales a penalty try and yellow-carded Italy number eight Lorenzo Cannone, with the visitors taking a 22-3 lead into half-time. Williams then kicked Wales deep into the Italian 22 and a powerful lineout drive resulted in Italy illegally collapsing a maul. Receiving the ball a metre from the touchline, Williams beat five Italy defenders as he cut back inside on a stunning run at pace and Wales retained control of the contest, 15-3 in front. Italy looked lethargic and nervous in comparison and Wales extended their lead with a ninth-minute try.