France 22 (12)
Try: Jauzion
Con: Elissalde
Pens: Elissalde 4, Michalak

England 9 (3)
Pens: Wilkinson 3

Balmy Marseille was rocking last night as France and England battled out a gruelling match in front of a packed-out stadium.

The boys were pumped, the jerseys were tight and the passion was rife, but France had the finishing power that England couldn't quite grasp. They were slick, quick and responsive, especially in the second half when England looked to be tiring.

Let's not give up on the boys in white though (well red on this occasion). The improvement from what we have been seeing over the last few years was immense and the match was a real spectacle and pure entertainment.

There were a few casualties though for England as Martin Corry fell awkwardly right back onto his bended knee. He limped off during the second half and was seen wincing as said knee was packed around with ice. Phil 'Raging Bull' Vickery was carried off on a stretcher in the last moments of the first half, concussed after colliding with team mate Simon Shaw (who saw a yellow card for his efforts). Phil was conscious but groggy and that was the last we saw of him. This left the front row wanting somewhat as it was already missing Andrew Sheridan who has just come out of hospital following an infection from an inspect bite. Must have been some insect!

However, the good news is that both of them should be right as nine-pence for the opening match against USA on 8th September.

Shaun Perry proved again that he is right to be England's number one scrum half. His speed and agility around the rucks and scrums was thrilling to watch. Jonny was not on his best form but lets face it, England does expect when it comes to Jonny. He still kicked all of  England's 9 points bringing his total now up to 915 and placing him third on the list of all time scorers.

France on the other hand looked far stronger and more in control of their game. Their backs looked as strong as their forwards, something England are struggling with currently. Raphael Ibanez stood out as a nippy hooker, not often seen, and lead his team to the victory they rightly deserved.

The giant Fabien Pelous (right) came on for his 112th cap and brought with him his own personal coach who looks just like a tiny child next to the huge second row!

France: Poitrenaud; Heymans, Traille, Jauzion, Dominici; Michalak, Elissalde; Milloud, Ibanez (capt), Poux, Pelous, Thion, Nyanga, Dusautoir, Harinordoquy.
Replacements: Bruno, Mas, Nallet, Bonnaire, Mignoni, Skrela, Rougerie.

England: Cueto; Lewsey, Hipkiss, Farrell, Robinson; Wilkinson, Perry; Freshwater, Regan, Vickery (capt), Shaw, Borthwick, Corry, Rees, Easter.
Replacements: Mears, Stevens, Worsley, Dallaglio, Gomarsall, Barkley, Sackey.