England still lack that final flourish

ENGLAND‘S second string weren’t lacking for endeavour at the end of a long season when they lost to their French counterparts in Vannes but, with one or two exceptions, they lacked finesse and precision.

■By BRENDAN GALLAGHER

The scoreline and a try count of five to three was a little harsh and there was a crucial period in the second-half when England, trailing 28-12, suddenly found their game and could have put themselves in with a shout.

In: Marcus Smith scores Engand’s second try

The outstanding Noah Caluori seemingly sped away for a try but that was then chalked off for a marginal knock on earlier in the move; Nolann le Garrec should have been binned for a deliberate knock on and then Ben-hard Janse van Rensberg crashed over untouched for a try under the posts… except he somehow managed to leave the ball behind.

If England could have cashed in then it would have been game on but France survived and put England away with an opportunist try for the precocious Fabien Brau-Boirie. England did make the score a little more respectable with a late try for Max Ojomoh but can have few complaints.

These end-of-season fixtures can be tricky with a mish-mash of players still knackered from last week’s play-offs and those who haven’t played a game of consequence for a while but they are infinitely better than even the most competitive of training sessions at Pennyhill Park.

The weather was hot and uncomfortable and Vannes is an underrated rugby hotbed where the home side, having been demoted from the Top 14 last season, have bounced straight back after a convincing ProD2 title a few weeks ago. That’s a league you don’t win unless you can play a bit and the home fans were in good voice.

It’s a proud Breton outpost where teams are greeted by Scottish sounding bagpipes and the big hero – on parade for France – is local boy Le Garrec who led Vannes to a national U15 title before being talent spotted by Racing and then moving to La Rochelle.

Star man: Nolann Le Garrec scores for France

PICTURES: Alamy

France were quality opposition and perhaps a little more prepared than England. Bear in mind that it’s a France XV that basically undertakes Les Bleus full Test duties most summers with recent visits to Australia, Argentina and New Zealand under their belts while the first choice players rest up.

So this was a proper test and had some value for Steve Borthwick as he finalises plans for his Nations Championship squad announcement this week. The biggest plus was unquestionably the continued development of Caluori who was outstanding in the air and in defence.

The spring heeled Saracens wing caused havoc in the air all night, had a hand in England’s opening two tries and ‘scored’ that second-half try that was disallowed. He looks pretty much ready to take on the very best with his superpower in the air meaning he can make an immediate impact.

On the night it was England who made the best start with a cracking try for Cadan Murley – another who took the eye – after quick hands in midfield and good play from Caluori as he came off his wing looking for work.

It looked promising for England, but their handling began to lose precision and France hit back with two tries – from Nicolas Depoortere and the speedy Gregoire Arfeuil – before England hit back on the stroke of half-time with a well taken try from Marcus Smith who cut a nice line after another timely intervention by Caluori.

England started brightly after the break but fatally lost concentration when first Le Garrec romped in for a hugely popular try which any one of three supporting French players could have scored as they flooded the left wing and moments later fly-half Antoine Hastoy ran a tough flanker’s line to barge over.

That put England right on the back foot and, un-

able to amass any points during their brief purple patch, the game wound down to its predictable conclusion with those two late tries.

There were some tired looking bodies on the final whistle and for some the beach does now finally beckon. For others though the finishing line for this season remains tantalisingly out of sight with trips to South Africa and Argentina in prospect and a game against Fiji in Liverpool.

Referee: Gianluca Gnecchi (Ita) Attendance: 10,350

Star player

Nolann Le Garrec – France