England’s non-cap international against France in Vannes concluded with a decisive 35-19 victory for the hosts, a result underscored by debutant Benhard Janse van Rensburg’s fumbled try-scoring opportunity that epitomised a challenging outing for a new-look English side.
The South African-born centre, introduced in the 52nd minute amidst a flurry of substitutions, found himself with a clear path to the try-line only for the ball to slip from his grasp as he neared the whitewash.
This crucial error extinguished England’s last realistic chance to narrow a 28-12 deficit, with the Bristol player’s overall involvement limited despite joining the fray during his side’s most enterprising spell.
For head coach Steve Borthwick, the match offered valuable game time for key players, with Tom Curry and George Martin each banking 51 minutes ahead of their anticipated involvement in the Nations Championship opener against South Africa on 4 July.
Promisingly, prolific teenage wing Noah Caluori delivered an encouraging display, bolstering his prospects for Borthwick’s tour squad, while Cadan Murley also made an impact on the opposite flank.
However, the scratch team, featuring numerous unfamiliar combinations, only fired in brief bursts. Murley, Marcus Smith, and Max Ojomoh were the try-scorers in this ‘A’ game, which served as a curtain-raiser for next month’s Test series.
Murley’s early strike provided England with a flying start, but France quickly responded. In the ninth minute, Nicolas Depoortere touched down as the hosts’ expansive passing game stretched England’s defence.
Both sides sought to exploit the glorious conditions, with Caluori receiving early touches under pressure and Marcus Smith experiencing mixed fortunes with his kicking. Yet, France proved deadly in possession.
Gregoire Arfeuil extended France’s lead as their attack clicked once more, while England struggled to penetrate the home defence, with Caluori unable to capitalise on a hanging kick from George Ford.
Attempts to involve Caluori were often thwarted by a resolute French defence, and England’s play repeatedly broke down due to their own errors.
Just before half-time, England’s backs finally connected, with Caluori entering the line from scrum ball and off-loading to Smith, who finished with a flourish.
England’s momentum continued into the second half, with their scrum in the ascendancy, but France unlocked them from long range as Nolann Le Garrec completed a sweeping move.
Antoine Hastoy was next to cross, and hopes of an English fightback dimmed further when Caluori had a try disallowed for an earlier knock-on.
Janse van Rensburg’s visible frustration after butchering his chance under the posts, coupled with the ebbing cohesion due to numerous changes, meant the next try didn’t arrive until the 80th minute when Fabien Brau-Boirie sealed a deserved French victory. Ojomoh then scored a late consolation try in overtime.
