Read the Match Report of England's mid-season international victory against France...
England Men and England Women continued their winning streaks against France, as they both defeated their French counterparts in Toulouse on Saturday.
The mid-season internationals boasted plenty of action, as both England sides went on to produce dominant displays on the day - and a day where the French Rugby League (FFR XIII) celebrated 90 years of the game in the republic, and the same number of years since the Men’s international side first played England in Paris in 1934.
England v France was a match littered with Betfred Super League quality, with a competitive encounter unfolding at Stade Ernest-Wallon in the first half.
France, a side heavily consisting of players from Super League side Catalans Dragons, opened the scores through Fouad Yaha, who won the race to the ball after a clever kick from playmaker Arthur Mourgue.
England were on the back foot in the opening quarter, as France continued to apply the pressure early on. Mourgue then successfully converted a penalty goal to extend France’s lead to 8-0, but that was as good as it got for the French as England would soon hit back.
It became a half of two halves as the momentum quickly swung, with a magical burst from the England team to follow.
England soon made up for their slow start, as Jack Welsby broke down the short side fooling the France defenders, before a clever one-two with Tom Johnstone which finished off with Welsby in the corner.
Shaun Wane and Andy Last’s side then continued with quality finishing from the wingers, as Ash Handley then went on to bag a terrific two-minute brace.
Handley’s first try was triggered by Welsby who once again starred and was at the heart of the action, as he sent Newman racing away down the right-hand side and Handley was there in support.
Speedster Tom Johnstone then hit the accelerator he is renowned for, beating multiple France defenders before throwing a looping pass to Newman, who in turn found Handley once more.
Johnstone then joined in on the scoring spree, as he collected a floating pass from George Williams to stroll in at the corner for England’s fourth try.
Just like England Women in the earlier match, it was four tries in the first forty.
The close contest continued in a rather scrappy second half, and it would take almost 20 minutes for England to capitalise again, as France persisted throughout.
Back-to-back tries from Matty Nicholson and Welsby, who became a two-try hero on the day, went on to put England 20 points in front heading into the closing stages of the game.
And the one-way traffic continued when Mikey Lewis produced his trademark magic with a break and a pass away to George Williams, who touched down under the posts.
As the hooter sounded, Harry Smith came up with a perfectly-timed chip kick to find Johnstone who went over in the corner, who also grabbed his second try and rounded off another victory against the France opposition.
England Men: Jack Welsby, Tom Johnstone, Sam Wood, Harry Newman, Ash Handley, George Williams, Harry Smith, Luke Thompson, Brad O’Neill, Matty Lees, Ben Currie, Matty Nicholson, Elliot Minchella, Mikey Lewis, James Harrison, Tyler Dupree, Oliver Wilson.
Tries: Welsby (20, 61), Handley (24, 26), Johnstone (31, 79), Nicholson (57), Williams (73)
Goals: (4/8)
France: Arthur Mourgue, Fouad Yaha, Matthieu Laguerre, Enzo Griffier, Hakim Miloudi, Cesar Rouge, Theo Fages, Romain Navarrete, Alrix Da Costa, Julian Bousquet, Mickael Goudemand, Paul Seguier, Benjamin Garcia, Ugo Tison, Tiaki Chan, Justin Sangare, Franck Maria.
Tries: Yaha (2)
Goals: Mourgue (2/2)
Half-time: 8-18
Full-time: 8-40
Match Highlights to follow…
