England secured a dramatic 26-25 victory over Six Nations favourites France as Elliot Daly’s last-minute try, set up by Fin Smith’s slick pass, sealed a rousing win at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham.
In a chaotic and error-strewn contest, the lead changed hands three times in the final ten minutes, with replacement prop Fin Baxter briefly putting England ahead before France’s Louis Bielle-Biarrey seemed to snatch victory.
However, England, determined to avoid another last-gasp defeat, struck in the dying moments, with Smith coolly adding the conversion. Despite a slow, mistake-ridden start and a relentless French attack, England showed resilience, overturning an early deficit to keep their title hopes alive.
The win marks a crucial turnaround for Steve Borthwick’s side, who now set their sights on reclaiming the Calcutta Cup against Scotland in two weeks.