France's Dramatic Comeback Secures Victory Over England in Rugby Friendly
France rugby team stages thrilling comeback to defeat England 26-24 in a friendly match.
Key Points
- • France rugby team wins 26-24 against England at Twickenham
- • The team was down 24-12 with five minutes left before scoring two late tries
- • Cameron Woki received a red card, impacting match dynamics
- • Victory provides a morale boost ahead of the summer tour to New Zealand.
In an exhilarating display of resilience, the French rugby team triumphed 26-24 over England at Twickenham on June 21, 2025, in a friendly match geared toward preparations for the upcoming summer tour in New Zealand. Despite their challenging circumstances, including the absence of key English players who were engaged with the British Lions, France showcased their depth and potential in rugby.
The match started brightly for France, who quickly established a 12-0 lead thanks to early tries from Gaëtan Barlot and Hugo Auradou. However, the tide shifted dramatically when French player Cameron Woki was handed a red card for a ruck infringement, resulting in a significant momentum change. England capitalized on their one-man advantage and began to assert control, leading 24-12 with just five minutes remaining.
Displaying remarkable tenacity, France managed to mount a stunning comeback, scoring two late tries through Paul Mallez and Romain Taofifenua. Antoine Hastoy's conversion of the final try sealed the game for France, marking a memorable end to what seemed to be a lost cause. The match, while not officially recognized for player caps, was especially notable for France's five debutants, highlighting the team's willingness to invest in fresh talent as they build toward future competitions.
This victory not only boosts the morale of the inexperienced squad but also serves as an encouraging lead-in to their challenging summer tour. The French rugby team is expected to make further adjustments as they continue to incorporate players from the Top 14 finals, enhancing their lineup and readiness for the challenges that lie ahead in New Zealand. As noted in recent discussions, the successful comeback against England will provide a significant confidence boost for the team moving forward.