France 15-17 England: Dow double for Red Roses as lights go out in Lille

ENGLAND'S Test in France was called off in the 63rd minute on Friday night after the floodlights went out, giving the Red Roses victory and extending their winning streak against Les Bleues to nine games.

Six Nations champions England were leading 17-15 thanks to Abby Dow's impressive try double when the lights went out – and England were declared winners.

England head coach Simon Middleton said: “Just when you think the year can't get any more bizarre. The first question I asked was whether it was a blackout curfew and they haven't got the memo that there was an international game on.”

France dominated early possession and centre Maelle Filopon scored after nifty work by scrumhalf Pauline Bourdon.

England replied through Dow's first impressive showing of the half. Centre Emily Scarratt sent a ball long and Dow flew around tacklers and down the right wing to cross over.

Fly-half Zoe Harrison was entrusted with kicking duties instead of Scarratt and added an extra two points before she was shown a yellow card for being caught offside 5m from her tryline.

Jessy Tremouliere cut through England's depleted defence to score France's second try, but the full-back missed her conversion.

As the first half drew to a close, Dow swooped in once more. The wing caught a high ball and covered half the pitch, darting past five French defenders.

Scarratt took over kicking duties in Harrison's absence and her conversion gave England a 14-12 lead at the break.

Tremouliere put France back in the lead with a penalty but a high tackle by prop Annaelle Deshayes allowed Harrison to reply and her penalty proved to be the winner.