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Six Nations | Group Stage
Feb 23, 2013 at 5pm UK
 
England
23-13
France

England keep Grand Slam hopes alive with win over France

England keep their Grand Slam hopes alive with a hard-fought victory over France at Twickenham.

England kept their dreams of the Grand Slam alive as they put in a hard-fought 23-13 victory over France.

England's Manu Tuilagi is tackled by France's Morgan Parra during the RBS Six Nations match on February 23, 2013© David Davies / PA Photos

The game had an even start as Owen Farrell and Morgan Parra each successfully kicked penalties in the opening 10 minutes.

After a great breakaway run from Manu Tuilagi, England were awarded a penalty as France were caught offside. Farrell duly knocked his kick between the posts making it 6-3.

France were not deterred by falling behind as they took the lead thanks to a magnificent solo run from Wesley Fofana broke several tackles before crossing the try line.

France's Louis Picamoles is tackled by two England players during the RBS Six Nations match on February 23, 2013© PA Photos

Farrell put another penalty between the posts just before the half ended but there was still time for Parra to put a kick just wide.

The French number nine missed a penalty again after restart while England regained the lead minutes later through the boot of Farrell.

Stuart Lancaster's side extended their leading margin in lucky circumstances when a loose ball at in the ruck was kicked and fell into the path of Manu Tuilagi, who ran in for the score.

Frederic Michalak struck back immediately for France with a penalty. But England replacement Toby Flood hit two penalties of his own to secure the win for his side.

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Ben Foden
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