In a weekend of no Top 14 or ProD2 action, an incredible 240 professional club appearances had been amassed by France's squad that included 23st 6lb, 19-year-old second row Posolo Tuilagi, who had been starring for Fabien Galthie's side in the men's tournament during previous weeks.
That figure dwarfed the 22 top-flight appearances of England's side - especially as eight of that tally came from Sale's breakthrough prop Asher Opoku-Fordjour.
But that was never going to be used as an excuse for England.
Following last week's crushing draw against Ireland which denied the Grand Slam, this was the litmus test to see if England could bounce back in front of a boisterous capacity crowd in the south of France.
England's solidarity and belief, which has been echoed by the coaching staff and players throughout the tournament, was firmly on display as the visitors secured a remarkable comeback victory from 21-5 down which was steered by the influential Northampton Saints scrum-half Archie McParland, but it was a collective top draw performance from the men in white.
Head coach Mapletoft said: "That's as good as it gets. We did all the preparation we could, knew they'd be fully loaded but didn't expect (Posolo) Tuilagi to be back. In a weird way all of that probably added fuel to the fire, we weren't angry about anything, it was more how it was a long trip and we knew how tough it would be.
Esta historia es de la edición March 17, 2024 de The Rugby Paper.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición March 17, 2024 de The Rugby Paper.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
Sleightholme shows he has pace to burn
OLLIE Sleightholme recently clocked his fastest sprint time and is racing to cement his spot as an England starter.
McGoverne says playing for Chiefs is her priority
EXETER fly-half Olivia McGoverne has opted for club over country which will rule her out of contention for New Zealand’s World Cup bid in 2025.
Trinity aim to get the culture right
HIGH-FLYING Trinity have made a remarkable turnaround this season after narrowly avoiding relegation last term, heading into this weekend unbeaten and are now eyeing up promotion from Level 7.
YOUNG GUNS
Louie Gulley experienced the environment of England U20s’ World Championship triumph up close this summerand now has a burning desire to become an age-grade star. The 19-year-old Exeter Chiefs hooker was part of Mark Mapletoft’s squad but didn’t manage to make an appearance during the tournament.
The Cherry & Whites lay down marker over Lucs
CAMBORNE maintained their lead at the top of the table with a bonus-point win against their nearest challengers in a pulsating game.
A brace from Botterill is key to victory for Esher
A highly entertaining and enthralling contest between two sides fighting at the foot of the table was eventually won by Esher after the lead had changed no less than seven times throughout an absorbing afternoon.
Chiefs in hunt for new investment
TONY Rowe has confirmed the search for new investors into Exeter Chiefs has begun as he looks to safeguard the longterm future of the Premiership club.
McParland keen to shine for England A
NORTHAMPTON scrum-half Archie McParland feels he has returned a better player following a nasty injury that denied him a World Cup winners medal and is now ready to fly into a new opportunity with England A.
Undercard get chance to show their A-game
ENGLAND’S A team today get their first major work-out after being resurrected earlier this year when Australia’s undercard provide the opposition at The Stoop.
England look like a clueless rabble
I WATCHED with a growing sense of bewilderment as England yet again took to the field against Australia looking to all intents and purpose as if they had just been introduced to each other on the coach into Twickenham.
