Stat breakdown - England vs France

France dominated much of the statistics today with more metres made, clean breaks, defenders beaten and offloads than their opposition. They managed to make 591 metres, including 10 clean breaks and beating 24 defenders while doing so. In contrast, England only made 383 metres, with 5 clean breaks and beat 13 defenders in total. France as expected dominated the offloading stats as well, making 17 to England’s 10.

England won this game largely due to their ability to dominate the breakdown. They won 100% of their own rucks (79/79) and managed to turnover the ball a mammoth 11 times. France were less effective at the war on the floor, winning 96% of their own rucks (80/83) and managing to steal the ball 5 times in total. England were also more efficient in the lineout, winning 15 of their 16 throws (94%). France in contrast won 9 of their 11 lineouts (82%).

France can’t complain about losing this one when you look at the penalty stats. They conceded 15 penalties throughout the game, 8 of which were in their own half. This gave England great opportunities to convert into points through the ever-reliable boots of Owen Farrell and Elliot Daly.

The England kickers were superior today as well, with a conversion rate of 83% (5/6). Lopez missed only one kick for the French, but had to settle for a percentage of 80% (4/5). In conclusion the more disciplined team came away with the victory here today even though they played the less entertaining rugby.