England see off error ridden France

France 13-24 England

By Chris O'Keefe

England's championship showing to date had been an anti-climax. Throwing away a lead against Wales and labouring to victory in Rome doesn't suggest a team building on a World Cup Final appearance. However, England produced a resolute performance in Paris and - with help from a charitable French outfit - sealed their first Six Nations victory in Paris for eight years.

It all started with something not spotted by the match officials. Jamie Noon's crunching tackle on Cedric Heyman's knocked the ball loose, forward off Noon as replays showed. However, Paul Sackey sprinted onto the loose ball, kicked ahead and touched down. England hadn't had to go through significant phases or territory yet manager to sneak in front.

England were strong in defence and waited for the errors which came in their droves. Perhaps distracted by Mark Regan getting under the skin as the Bristol man put it, it was not really an excuse for Les Bleus. England in key areas were winning ball. Michael Lipman, Tom Croft (who replaced James Haskell) and Man of the Match Nick Easter worked hard in the loose to create a platform for England. The front row of Sheridan, Regan and Vickery were creating nightmares for their French counterparts, France conceding a number of significant penalties in the scrum.

WIlkinson was fairly faultless after the criticism and doubts that have emanated from some quarters. For the undoubted quality of Cipriani as a stand off, Wilkinson is still amongst the best in the world and 14 points were invaluable to England as France struggled to stay in contention. Quite frankly, the fact that he wasn't imperious for 80 minutes in his last two games doesn't matter. He is human, but he is vital with the boot and ball in hand as well as his leadership and psychological impact on the opposition.

Other performances of notes came from Toby Flood at centre and Richard Wigglesworth at scrum half. Wigglesworth's late try capped off a fine performance. Delivering solid phases into the channels, he was calm and assured, possibly a regular starter is years to come!

Overall between England's ability to capitalise on French errors and a largely tidy (if unspectacular) performance will increase Brian Ashton's confidence that his side may yet win the title. However, Ashton must know his side still has areas to improve. Iain Balshaw was woeful under the high ball at full back and a fully fit Josh Lewsey must wonder what he has to do. Equally Regan for all his 'clowning' around to paraphrase French coach Marc Lievremont and his work in the scrum, his line-out throwing was abysmal to say the least.

Too much set play was given up in that area. Either Regan needs to improve his throwing, or someone needs a chance. The shadow of Steve Thompson's comeback may not loom large yet but it may do in future months. Thompson himself wasn't a thrower without fault, but Regan really did miss too many of his jumper, helped only by Dmitri Szarzewski equally poor showing at hooker

For now England can smile about their improvements. An 80 minute effort rather than a 40 minute one. Fewer errors, two tries and still without a bulldozing try from Lesley Vainikolo who became a more important figure second half. Games against Scotland and Ireland will test this English still but hope has flowered in the Parisian night.