"Incredibly harsh" - Ugo Monye slams referee decision that cost England the win against France

RUCK’s 2024 Guinness Six Nations content 

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France emerged triumphant in a heart-stopping showdown against England in Lyon, sealing a second-place finish in the 2024 Six Nations standings. The decisive moment came when Thomas Ramos delivered a jaw-dropping winning penalty from the halfway line.

Establishing a commanding 16-3 lead on their home turf, the French side seemed poised for victory before England staged a remarkable comeback. Ollie Lawrence's crucial tries before and after halftime shifted the momentum in England's favor.

Despite Marcus Smith extending England's lead, France mounted a fierce counterattack, with Leo Barre and Gael Fickou narrowing the deficit. The match swung back and forth in a thrilling display of skill and determination.

In a breathtaking twist, Tommy Freeman's late try appeared to secure the win for England, bolstered by George Ford's successful conversion. However, Ramos had the final say, sealing victory with a nerve-racking kick from close to halfway. Yet, it was the controversial penalty leading to Ramos' kick that ignited intense debate among pundits in the ITV studio.

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Unfortunate to depart as early as he did, as he injured his calf muscle and departed after seven minutes. (Off for Marcus Smith, 7).

Too high off the line with the early blitz defence, as Gael Fickou sends the ball through his legs to Freeman’s surprise. Brilliant early runs, as he searches up to the French gain-line. Almost handed Alex Mitchell and assist, but his 48th minute offload didn’t go to hands. Thought that he was away with a break at 69 minutes, but the assistant referee called the play back for a deliberate knock on. Great finish in the corner, as he silenced Lyon with his 74th minute try.

Strong searching run at eight minutes, as he broke the gain-line and asked questions of Cyril Baille. Sent a silky pass to Ollie Lawrence, as England crossed over just before the half-time break, a strong assist on the 40th minute. Withdrawn for the returning Manu Tuilagi, as England fought power with power. (Off 60- Tuilagi)

Good tackling from the off as France look to hit up the centre channels. Thumping collision with Damian Penaud, as the two collide after five minutes. Ran a brilliant line to score on the stroke of half-time, and breathe life into England’s game. Started the second half on fire, as he powered over from close range to score once again.

Back in to the starting line-up as Manny Feyi-Waboso is out with a concussion. Claimed the high balls confidently, but swamped when trying to stretch his legs. Returned the favour with good kick chase and well timed tackles on the receivers. Vocal on the touchlines, as the assistant referee handed a line-out to France.

Not afraid to calm things down, and called for the first mark of the match with the play at an immense rate. Slotted the opening points of the match, and did well to bring down a full-pace Charles Ollivon, as he grounded the flanker at 30 minutes. Demanded more from his team, as France began to take control after the hour mark. Quick hands to Smith, to set up Freeman’s late try, before nailing the conversion from the corner.

Good start from the boot with solid clearance kicks. Received medical attention with a wrist issue, but soldiered on in the early goings. Narrowly missed out on a try in support of Tommy Freeman’s miss-placed off-load, and gave a solid showing when sending box kicks into orbit. (Off 69 Danny Care).

Five stone lighter than the French tight-head Uini Antonio, but held his own in the early scrum. Won a penalty against the 24 stone titan at 10 minutes, for George Ford to have a crack at the posts. Felt the affects of a 33 minute tackle on Antonio, as he buckled under the big man but brought him down. (Off 50 - Joe Marler)

Solid start at the set-piece, as he held his own against the near tonne of French mass that bore down on him. Good line-out throws, comfortably hit the front middle and back. (Off 50 - Theo Dan)

Making the hard yards in attack, as he offered an option off the shoulder for the carriers. Strong early scrums against the far heavier pack, won a free kick at 13 minutes, as he goaded his opponent to go early. (Off 50 - Will Stuart)

A little bit too late and in at the side when joining a defensive maul, in what hands France a penalty at seven minutes. Received a bit of medical treatment after 25 minutes, as the exhaustive first half took it’s toll. Sent to the deck at 36 minutes, as he is bounced in his tackle attempt.

Enjoyed the newly employed blitz defence once more,as he flew out of the line and make solid hits. Ditched the head guard in the early stages. Loses the line-out that hands France possession, for the opening try of the match. So entertaining to watch, as he charges around the pitch making hit after hit.

Ushered into make a series of tackles from the off, as France flung the ball to their heavies from the get go. Made a monstrous hit on Alldritt, sending an ‘oomph’ around Lyon. Adapted well to blindside flanker once again, in what is a new role for the Leicester man. Received some treatment at 51 minutes, as he struggled through injury.

Couldn’t get out of the way quickly enough, as a breakdown obstruction handed Thomas Ramos a shot at goal for a 3-3 equaliser. Did well to fly up off the flank for hits on Alldritt at the beach of the scrum. Massive clear out at 29 minutes, as he sent his opponent flying at the ruck. Made a tackle whilst on the floor at 30 minutes, which gifted France a penalty. Couldn’t close down Ramos fast enough, as he slid into the tackle with the fullback volleying the ball into the back-field for the 60th minute try. (Off for Dombrandt - 66).

This man only knows one gear and it is as fast as possible. Relentless around the park with tackles and carries that battered on Les Bleus. Great carry from the back of the scrum at 29 minutes, as he alleviated pressure. Great searching runs, as he made key yards in the run up to Lawrence’s second try, and for Marcus Smith’s impressive score. Shifted over to the flank when Dombrandt is introduced.

Once again given an extended run in the side, and not there to simply make up the numbers for the captain. Made some good tackles in the loose, with good pace for a front rower.

Immediately tasked to halt a rolling maul, and play peacekeeper when Marcus Smith clashed with Thomas Ramos. Nailed in the ruck at 58 minutes, and gave some appreciatory taps on the head to the French heavy hitter. Great tackles after he called for a ‘Big D Set’ as England geared up for defence late on.

A strong showing from the replacement tight-head, who did his best to lift the tempo at the set-piece and around the carry. Pinged by the assistant referee at 68 minutes, for illegal action in the maul.

Came off the bench like a cannonball, as he was immediately involved with carries and tackles. Back in the squad after falling out of recent favour, and battled hard with Cunningham-South out of the fold.

Shifted around the back-row with his introduction, as Earl moved across from number eight to flanker. Great turnover at the ruck, as he stole the ball for a 72nd minute penalty.

His future hangs in the balance, with discussion around his test match retirement after the Six Nations. Made his 101st cap off the bench, and ignited the move that ended up with Freeman’s try in the corner.

On at fullback as George Furbank after seven minutes, as the Saints man injured his calf muscle in the early goings. Strong takes under the high ball in his return to the back-three. Sold the dummy by Thomas Ramos, in the run up to the opening French try. Had to put on the afterburners to beat Bielle-Biarry to the ball after Penaud’s kick. Great effort on the 37th minute kick chase, to tackle Ramos into touch. Great effort to step passed Penaud and Ramos, for a stunning try. Great pop pass to Freeman to set up the late try.

In for his first match of the competition, and could well be his last match in England shirt. On for his 60th cap at 60 minutes.