Women's Six Nations: England suffer France loss at Twickenham
- Published
England Women suffered their first defeat at Twickenham as France scored five tries in a 30-20 Six Nations win.
England trailed as early as the fifth minute when France's Elodie Guiglion touched down in the left corner.
Kay Wilson briefly put England ahead before the visitors took control with four unanswered tries.
The home side were given hope by Hannah Gallagher's late try but France saw the game out to condemn England to their first Twickenham loss in 10 matches.
It was Les Bleus' first victory on English soil since 2005 and ended England's bid to win their eighth successive Six Nations title.
Red Rose coach Gary Street has rested 17 of his first-choice squad for this year's tournament as England concentrate on winning the Sevens World Cup later this year.
Experienced fly-half Katy McLean, one of the players initially left out, did return as a half-time substitute against the French, but could not inspire a revival as England trailed 18-10 at the break.
Wilson, reinstated on the right wing after Francesca Matthews' late withdrawal through injury, showed neat footwork to cancel out Guiglion's early try, before Amber Reed converted from the left touchline to put the hosts 7-5 ahead.
However, the lead lasted only 12 minutes as France centre Lucille Godiveau raced on to a loose ball to score.
Safi N'Diaye extended France's lead before the interval after barging through the English defence and prop Christelle Chobet charged over from close range shortly after the restart.
England rallied after N'Diaye was sent to the sin-bin but failed to break down the resolute French defence. They only had Reed's second penalty to show for their efforts and were punished for not taking their chances when Caroline Ladagnous danced down the right touchline to score France's fifth try.
England flanker Gallagher crashed over under the posts with five minutes left, but it was too late as France earned a deserved victory.
Earlier on Saturday, leaders Ireland sealed their first Triple Crown with a 30-3 triumph against Scotland.
England: 15 Cattell, 14 Wilson, 13 Chamberlain, 12 Reed, 11 Tuson; 10 Large, 9 Mason; 1 Clark, 2 Croker, 3 Hemming, 4 Essex, 5 Taylor, 6 McGilchrist, 7 Gallagher, 8 Hunter.
Replacements: 16 Fleetwood, 17 Keates, 18 Crowley, 19 Burnfield, 20 Millar-Mills, 21 Gulliver, 22 McLean, 23 Scott.
France: 15 Ladagnous, 14 Le Pesq, 13 Poublan, 12 Godiveau, 11 Guiglion; 10 Agricole, 9 Yahe; 1 Ezanno, 2 Salles, 3 Chobet, 4 Rabier, 5 De Nadai, 6 Diallo, 7 Grand, 8 N'Diaye.
Replacements: 16 Mignot, 17 Vernhet, 18 Portaries, 19 Koita, 20 Andre, 21 Tremouliere, 22 Mayans, 23 Billes.
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