England stretched in Six Nations win over France

AFP: Replacement Ben Te’o’s last-gasp try scrambled defending champions England to a 19-16 Six Nations win over arch-rivals France on a thrilling opening day in the tournament. 

Stuart Hogg was Scotland’s two-try hero as they surged to a 21-5 lead over Ireland before going 21-22 behind and then finally winning 27-22 at Murrayfield. Despite England extending their national record of 15 straight wins, coach Eddie Jones was left bemoaning the “club mentality” of some players after watching France stretch the favourites to the limit in the win at Twickenham.  

Lacklustre England were in trouble at 16-12 behind after France replacement Rabah Slimani scored the game’s first try on the hour.

France, edged out by Australia and world champions New Zealand in November, again gave up their lead. Te’o’s 71st-minute try, converted by Owen Farrell, tipped the game.