France women U20s remain unbeaten

Match highlights

England began well, shocking their hosts early on with their first try in France since 2010 when Abigail Dow ran the full length of the pitch to score after 18 minutes. France replied with a try from Marine Menager, after which they were given even more of an advantage when England’s Sarah Bern was yellow carded. Even so England were still able to go into the break 5-7 ahead.

Both sides came back from half time fighting and – despite being a player down - England were soon extended their lead when Zoe Harrison intercepted to make a 50m dash for the try line, putting England 12-5 ahead.

France failed to capitalise on their player advantage during Bern’s absence, and then received two back-to-back yellows themselves. As the game entered the final quarter their unbeaten home record looked in real danger.

However with 10 minutes to go the game changed utterly in barely two minutes. First full back Cindy Faure scored and then converted her own score to bring the home team level, and then Lou Baguette added a third French try almost straight from the restart, sending France 17-12 ahead.

England tried to respond, but it was France who were to have the last word with Baguette adding a second try at the end.

England coach Jo Yapp said:  “It was a tough result for the girls and they left everything out on the field.  Both sides had really stepped up and it was a very physical game. As a team and individuals we have developed throughout these three games and the players have learnt a lot on and off the field that will support them to progress and perform as senior international players when they make that step up.

“Moving forward we have the opportunity to come together again for three tests against Canada in the summer.”

Yapp finally paid tribute to England U20 Strength and Conditioning Coach Julie Twaddle, who leaves the England set up to join Manchester City Football Club

She added: “After 10 years involved within the England set-up we would like to thank her for her huge contribution to the teams she has worked with. She will be greatly missed.”

France : 4 tries Ménager (29), Faure (70), Baguette (72, 79), 2 conversions Faure (70, 80)

England : 2 tries Dow (17), Harrison (64), 1 conversions Harrison (64)

FRANCE : Faure – Jason, Filopon, Menager, Baguette - (o) Neisen, (m) Buzenet – Hermet (cap), Gabriagues, Soulard – Combebias, Saheb – Touye, Chailloux, Deshaye

Replacements : Abderamane, Guiguet, Lapoujade, Thimon, Sylvestre, Mias, Diraison, Sanch

ENGLAND : Smith – Woosey, Holland, Wood (cap), Dow – (o) Harrison, (m) Nye – Aldcroft, Bern, Stott - O’Donnell, Jones – Trevarthen, Campbell, Perry

Replacements : Noon, Hood, West, Neumann, Wolf, Miell, Taylor, Shekells