‘Le Crunch’ sees England deliver again
England held on but landed the knockout blow to beat France 13-7 in the first heavyweight clash of the Rugby World Cup in Whangā rei last night.
The tournament favourites butted heads in a tense, tight Pool C clash that went down to the wire and was a level up in quality ahead of any match played in the competition so far.
‘Le Crunch’ on the World Cup stage has been hyped for years while they’ve contested several close matches in the Six Nations.
This was no different, albeit with a familiar outcome – England’s 11th successive win over France and their recordextending 27th in a row.
The reigning champion Black Ferns were the last side to defeat England, in 2019, but these two excellent teams showed why they’re considered the teams to beat.
England first five-eighth No 10 Zoe Harrison was outstanding, turning around Les Bleus and pinning them deep in their half for long, long spells. Her boot was the difference to complement the power of England’s pack.
France had to deal with losing two key players in the opening 17 minutes. Halfback Pauline Bourdon first departed with a knee injury, then star No 8 Romane Me´ nager left on the medical cart.
Me´nager was knocked out after getting her head caught in an awkward position in an attempted tackle on giant English lock Zoe Aldcroft, bringing talismanic loose forward Gae¨lle Hermet into the game early on her comeback from a knee issue.
The French bravely defended their 22, making a phenomenal 127 tackles in the first 40 minutes, and their counter ruck game upset England’s momentum.
But England’s forwards kept coming with massive carries to smash over the gain line, with returning openside flanker Marlie Packer in excellent form, and France were hanging on while allowing England back into their territory with dropped balls, wobbly lineouts, and kicks out on the full.
Still, the French resisted. Emily Scarratt’s second penalty goal in the 62nd minute, as they went for the posts instead of pushing for a try near France’s line, demonstrated how frustrated England were in trying to clinch victory.
France, from nowhere, scored the try of the match after Caroline Drouin’s crossfield kick found wing Joanna Grisez on the run and Hermet was in support to reduce the deficit to six in the final quarter. Drouin didn’t have a great night, but it was a moment of brilliance.
The extra years of elite conditioning were obvious from the start. Thunderous tackles, assured kicking, accurate bombs, and pinpoint set pieces.
The handling was sloppy in a nervous start from both sides, although each defensive unit was fierce into contact and rushing forward to shut down the other’s attacks.
England persevered with short, popped passes and Packer’s clever break, in the attack which led to Me´nager’s concussion, was the first time France’s line was breached.
The gaps were opening up and a wonderfully patient string of phases led to England’s first try for centre Scarratt.
The big moment
Harrison’s frantic kick into touch on the final hooter as France’s desperate defenders fought to the death. Only then was England’s win assured in a gruelling battle.
MVP
Harrison’s kicking game might be what wins England the tournament. Yes, their forwards are formidable, their backs are attacking threats, but Harrison’s right boot is the source of their control.
Match rating: 7/10
Irish referee Joy Neville’s long advantages were bewildering at times, but this contest lived up to its billing, despite the lack of tries.
The big picture
England opened with an 84-19 win over Fiji and advance to the quarterfinals ahead of their final pool match against South Africa at Waitākere Stadium next Sunday when they can secure top spot in Pool C.
France are all but certain to join them in the last eight with a victory over Fiji next Saturday.