AllRugby  

5 hrs

England seeks redemption against France after a narrow loss to Ireland in the Six Nations opener.

England`s rugby team encountered a tough start in the 2025 Guinness Six Nations, suffering a narrow 27-22 defeat against Ireland at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Despite leading 10-5 at halftime, England`s performance faltered in the final quarter, a recurring issue that has plagued them in recent matches. Key tries from Cadan Murley, Tom Curry, and Tommy Freeman were overshadowed by Ireland`s strong comeback, with Bundee Aki, James Lowe, and Dan Sheehan securing the victory for the home side.

Looking ahead, England is set to face France on Saturday, 8 February, at the Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, in a highly anticipated clash known as "Le Crunch." France enters this match with momentum, having delivered a stunning 43-0 victory over Wales in their opening game, showcasing their attacking prowess with seven tries. England, on the other hand, is eager to bounce back from their disappointing loss to Ireland.

Maro Itoje, England`s new captain, stood out in the match against Ireland, making 15 tackles and securing 6 line-out grabs. However, the impact of England`s bench was minimal compared to Ireland`s, which saw significant contributions from players like Dan Sheehan, Jack Conan, and Robbie Henshaw. The current World Rugby rankings reflect England`s struggles, as they remain in seventh place with 82.31 rating points, while France holds fourth place with 88.51 rating points.

As England prepares for this crucial encounter against France, the team must address their late-game collapses to turn their fortunes around. The match will be broadcast on ITV1 or ITVX, promising an exciting showdown between two of rugby`s top nations. For more insights, check out the preview and the team of the week for further details.

#SixNations,#EnglandRugby,#FranceRugby,#MaroItoje,#RugbyUnion