Collaboration helps France win

FRANCE coach Philippe Saint-Andre praised the collaboration between the national federation and French clubs following his side’s dramatic 26-24 defeat of England.

France began their Six Nations campaign in the best possible fashion on Saturday with a lastgasp defeat of their keenest rivals thanks to Maxime Machenaud’s conversion of Gael Fickou’s try at the Stade de France.

But Saint-Andre insisted France’s never-say-die finish would not have been possible without the help of clubs and the French Rugby Federation (FFR).

“There was an evolution. We have to congratulate the FFR because if we hadn’t had two weeks to prepare [with Top 14 players re- leased by their clubs], we wouldn’t have won [on Saturday]. I have to be clear on that,” Saint-Andre said.

France were off to a flying start as Saint-Andre’s gamble on debutant flyhalf Jules Plisson also paid dividends.

But although they lost in heart-wrenching fashion, England’s head coach Stuart Lancaster focused on the positives.

“It was a great performance in lots of ways. We’re very proud and once we get over the initial disappointment we’ll take a huge amount of positives from the game,” Lancaster said.

England fullback Jack Nowell made an impressive debut despite a disastrous start in which he dropped the kick-off. – AFP