England scored seven unanswered tries to blow France away and win their opening match of the U18s International Series.
Jonathan Pendlebury’s side were ruthless in attack and will be full of confidence going into Tuesday’s affair with Western Province and next Saturday’s final match against South Africa.
Big hits from both sides ensued in the early stages with England captain Kepueli Tuipulotu and Junior Kpoku in particular making their presence known.
A fantastic touch finder off a penalty by Ollie Davies put England in a promising position and Tuipulotu crashed over from a motoring driving maul to score the opening try.
Quick hands to the outside allowed Angus Hall to score in the corner despite protests from the French defenders for a forward pass.
Pierre Ourtaud Cren fumbled across the line before Harrow youngster Charlie Griffin raced down the left at the other end and scored England’s third try inside half an hour after Jack Bracken’s brilliant take of a high ball.
Things went from bad to worse for France as Pierre Alary was sent to the sin bin for a deliberate knock on.
France again squandered a golden opportunity at the start of the second half as Luca Mignot knocked on over the try line after intercepting Tuipulotu’s overthrown line out.
Elyjah Ibsaiene went close to scoring but was denied in the corner while England were having no trouble whatsoever in converting their chances as Billy Sela used his raw, explosive power to crash over from a pick and go.
Former Ireland development player Griffin then scored his second try with a precise chip and chase.
England scored two tries in the final four minutes to rub salt in France’s wounds as Finlay Wiseman’s score preceded Hall’s last gasp crossover.
Written by Ben Jaycock
ENGLAND: Bracken, Hall, Lilley, Baker, Griffin, Davies, Friday; Conduit, Tuipulotu (c), Sela, Kpoku, Sodeke, Daniell, West, Sand
Replacements: Longstaff, Miller, Graham, Adegbemile, Treacey, Lightbown, Hanson, Platt, Wilson, Wiseman, Newton
FRANCE: Alary, Nemor, Rasal, Ourtaud Cren, Mignot, Jure, Llaveria; Christophe, Tia, Marceline, Lamataki, Bonnard, Duthil, Emery, Ibsaiene (c)
Replacements: Couturier, Garault, Njocke, Pargade, Theraube, Boichot, Keletaona, Drault, Rates, Leveque
Star man: Kepueli Tuipulotu – England
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