February 9, 2025
By Harry Mottram: In one of the most exciting contests ever played between England and France at Twickenham, Blue, Black and White Oli Lawrence (pictured – credit Sky Sports) barrelled over for a try to level the scores at half time at 7-7 as Smith converted. Will Stuart of Bath also played a key role in securing an astonishing win in the 79th minute when Elliot Daly touched down for a try giving Fin Smith the chance to convert edging England to a 26-25 victory. Tight head Will Stuart was again a reliable scrummager who even had a breakout run with the ball cementing his place in Steve Borthwick’s squad.
In what has been described by many commentators as a classic England-France encounter it seemed at times that France were going to have the final say having led in much of the game. When French wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey ran in to score what looked like a match winning try with minutes to go it appeared Les Bleus had clinched the result and installing them as favourites for the championship. But it was England who came good with another run at the French defence in the final seconds showing they hadn’t given up in a game in which the lead swapped three times in those last 10 minutes.
England (7) 26
Tries: Lawrence, Freeman, Baxter, Daly Cons: F Smith (2), M Smith
France (7) 25
Tries: Bielle-Biarrey (2), Penaud Cons: Ramos (2) Pens: Ramos (2)
Bath Rugby said this of Will Stuart: “Having come through the ranks with the Wasps Academy, the forward joined Bath Rugby in 2019. Earning 60 caps since his debut against Worcester Warriors, the prop has excelled in his rugby career featuring a further 26 times in white for England and now heads to his first Rugby World Cup. A reliable and powerful front rower, the 27-year-old made his England debut in the 2020 Guinness Six Nations against France. Stuart is already a World Champion with England U20, lifting the trophy with the age-grade side in 2016.”
And their notes on Oli Lawrence gave this review: “Since joining the club early in the 2022/23 season, Lawrence has become a hot topic with both the supporters and the rugby world. Being voted the Supporters’ Player of the Season (2022/23), Lawrence’s journey back to international rugby is one to inspire, having been left clubless after the collapse of his childhood club Worcester Warriors. His dynamism and sensational footwork saw the centre go on to also be named the Premiership Rugby Player of the Season.”
Bath’s Finn Russell helped to kick Scotland to a 31-19 victory over a strong Italian side converting three of the tries demonstrating the key role the Blue, Black and Whites are playing in the Six Nations tournament. Russell’s next game was Ireland – who have been installed as the bookies favourite for the title after they won away at Murrayfield by 18-32. Russell was replaced however on 21 minutes after a collision with Graham that left him with a head injury.
Fixtures:
Friday January 31
France 43-0 Wales
Saturday February 1
Scotland 31-19 Italy
Ireland 27-22 England
Saturday February 8
Italy 22-15 Wales
England 26-25 France
Sunday February 9
Scotland vs Ireland (3pm)
Saturday February 22
Wales vs Ireland (2.15pm)
England vs Scotland (4.45pm)
Sunday February 23
Italy vs France (3pm)
Saturday March 8
Ireland vs France (2.15pm)
Scotland vs Wales (4.45pm)
Sunday March 9
England vs Italy (3pm)
Saturday March 15
Italy vs Ireland (2.15pm)
Wales vs England (4.45pm)
France vs Scotland (8pm)