The 2024 Six Nations title wasn't to be for England, but they'll have to shake off that disappointment sharpish. Steve Borthwick's men would do well to recognise just how far they've come – it's certainly a far cry from 12 months ago, when Les Bleus condemned them to their heaviest ever home defeat.
France were in dire straits before Fabien Galthie decided enough was enough and benched scrum-half Maxime Lucu for Nolann Le Garrec last weekend. France responded with their first positive performance of the championship, and Le Garrec played an instrumental role.
In addition to scoring the try that put them in the driving seat against Wales, he stole the show with that outrageous – dare we say it, Dupont-esque – chistera and restored the feel-good factor. Is that something to build on?
Marcus Smith's last-gasp drop-goal clinched a thoroughly deserved victory over Ireland. It gave them a slim chance of pipping the reigning champions to the post, but Ireland retained the title by grinding out a victory over Scotland. Regardless, Le Crunch at Parc OL should deliver a fitting Six Nations finale.
HOW TO WATCH A FREE FRANCE VS ENGLAND LIVE STREAM ON ITVX
| UK stream: ITVX (FREE) |
| US stream: Peacock TV |
| AUS stream: Stan Sport |
What time is kickoff?
The France vs England kickoff time is at 8pm GMT / 4pm ET / 1pm PT today, Saturday, March 16. In Australia, that's 7am AEDT on Sunday, March 17.
France vs England team news and venue
France team: Barre; Penaud, Fickou, Depoortere, Bielle-Biarrey; Ramos, Le Garrec; Baille, Marchand, Atonio; Flament, Meafou; Cros, Ollivon, Alldritt (c). Replacements: Mauvaka, S Taofifenua, Colombe, R Taofifenua, Roumat, Boudehent, Lucu, Moefana.
England team: Furbank; Freeman, Slade, Lawrence, Daly; Ford, Mitchell; Genge, George (c), Cole; Itoje, Martin; Chessum, Underhill, Earl. Replacements: Dan, Marler, Stuart, Roots, Dombrandt, Care, Smith, Tuilagi.
Today's game will be played at the 59,186-capacity Parc Olympique Lyonnais on the outskirts of Lyon. Also known as Parc OL but never Groupama Stadium, it's home to Olympique Lyonnais, a football team with one of the most boisterous fanbases in Ligue 1.
