England finish strongly to edge France 19-16

France, seeking their first Six Nations title since 2010 and with only one tournament win at Twickenham in the past 20 years, will have been frustrated not to have taken more from their impressive opening, with young scrumhalf Baptiste Serin looking a lively addition.

France replacement Rabah Slimani crossed the line in the 59th minute before England’s own substitute, Te’o, put the home side in front at the death.

England coach Eddie Jones responded by throwing on most of his bench, who made an immediate impact.

England could win a record 15 game in a row should they beat France in South West London.

The trio had just arrived on to the pitch but their fresh legs invigorated England with Te’o particularly effective, running hard and straight until picking a strong line to score the decisive try in the 71st minute.

Although the score was level 9-9 at half-time after Camille Lopez had traded penalties with Owen Farrell (2) and Elliot Daly, the vibrant visitors were clearly the more inventive and unsafe side.

England are yet to lose under Australian Coach Eddie Jones but preparation hasn’t been smooth with injuries to some key players.

Elliot Daly was something of a surprise pick on the wing for England but played his part in their hard-fought win over France at Twickenham in the RBS 6 Nations opener.

The imagination is definitely still there, so perhaps Noves is just sick of the cliché that follows France wherever they go.

Owen Farrell and Camille Lopez traded penalties before Jonny May was sin-binned for a dump tackle on Gael Fickou.

England were a man down in the 13th minute.

France ended the run of Martin Johnson’s team in a warm-up for the 2003 Rugby World Cup. Lopez added two more penalties as the French capitalised on a sluggish start from the hosts.

Farrell then cut the deficit with his second penalty after May had returned. “We’ve got some nice selection issues, which is good”.

Jamie George came on for Dylan Hartley and further proved why there is a serious case for his inclusion as a starter, while James Haskell and Danny Care both gave England a much needed punch with Ben Te’o scoring the all important try.

Owen Farrell kept calm and in control of his kicking skills, nailing a lengthy penalty to give England some respite.

And Lopez sent a long-range effort from near the touchline floating between the posts to increase the lead.

Minutes later, Slimani was penalised for collapsing a scrum, and England set up an attacking lineout.

Itoje won the set-piece but Farrell slipped as the ball went through the backs.

“This time a year ago I said that the long-term strategy for England is to develop a side who can be the most dominant team in world rugby”, Jones said while previewing the tournament.