The English certainly lost, but showed a coherent and encouraging face against the XV of France in Décines (33-31). This is also what the British newspapers are reporting this Sunday morning.
The Guardian writes in its columns that this narrow defeat of the English proves the presence of “(a) serious pack, of speed, strength and skill among the three-quarters.” For this same newspaper, “there is no doubt: England is in much better condition today than at the start of the Tournament”, although this defeat is a “heartbreak” for the specialist Sport media.
The Independent made the same observation a few hours after the end of the meeting, also putting the spotlight on the XV of France. The general daily projects a “promising future for France and England” and affirms that there is “no doubt: England is in much better condition today than at the start of the Tournament.”
The beautiful face of the XV de la Rose in Lyon was supported by the good performance of Ollie Lawrence, center of Bath Rugby, scorer of two tries and rewarded by a column published by The Telegraph: “Ollie Lawrence shows that England must not fear the future without Manu Tuilagi”, who was possibly playing his last match with the XV de la Rose (entered in the 62nd minute) on Saturday.
In France, Thomas Ramos’ final penalty was widely commented on. The “savior” of the Blues is also on the front page of L’Équipe, accompanied by four words: “the stroke of genius”. The sports daily speaks of an “unbreathable” match, “which seems to launch episode 2 of the Galthié mandate.” All summed up by a “magical night”.
For Rugbyrama, the observation is the same: “a match of great beauty”, which “should be celebrated” of course. A victory which “partially made us forget his poor start to the Six Nations tournament” for La Dépêche.