The Latest Breaking News from Matthieu Jalibert

French side win competition for first time as second-half power tells in Cardiff

Adam Coleman and Cyril Cazeaux also scored tries in Bordeaux’s 28-20 win against Northampton in the Champions Cup final

In rating the teams it is the defending champions that look a cut above as the other sides struggle to find consistency

Tom Curry and Fin Smith inspire dramatic victory for hosts while Peato Mauvaka exemplified bungling visitors

If England are blown away up front, Will Smith might as well be playing fly-half for all the difference it will make

Red Rose have never lost eight consecutive games against Tier One opposition

France take on England in the 2025 Six Nations championships on Saturday afternoon at Twickenham in south-west London, hoping to emulate their exploits of two years ago when they annihilated their hosts 53-10 to register a record win over their rivals in 117 years of competition.

Everything you need to know ahead of the Six Nations fixture

France’s head coach, Fabien Galthié, said Marcus Smith ‘carries genius with him’ as his side prepared to face England at Twickenham