Fin Smith celebrates after England’s thrilling win over France (Image: Getty)
Fin Smith lifted the roof of Twickenham and got a monkey off back as they finally got a big game over the line by beating France 26-25.
Northampton fly-half Smith had a shaky start with his first kick from hand being charged down but grew into it to dominate the final minutes.
England did not lead until the 67 minute when Fin Baxter barged over but a second try from French wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey looked to have nailed it for the French.
But Smith’s cute pass put Daly over after Ollie Chessum won a line out and Daly sprinted over to send Twickenham bonkers.
Smith said: “We really backed ourselves and couldn’t go into our shells. France are an awesome outfit but we kept playing. I felt like a rabbit in the headlights in first half, if I’m honest, but I found my feet in the second half.
“It was back and forth and we have lost plenty of games like that in the past but luckily this one went our way – it was far from perfect but my god that group fought hard today.”
Elliot Daly sealed the win for England with a last-gasp try (Image: Getty)
The win was a landmark one for skipper Maro Itoje in his first game as captain at home and his first win leading the side.
Itoje said: “We need to be consistent through the game but what I love about this team is we want to fight. We want this to be the foundation for us.”
A relieved Steve Borthwick, who was staring down the barrel of an eighth straight defeat to tier one nations, had encouraged his squad to back themselves against the favourites France.
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Borthwick added: “I am delighted for the players and exceptionally happy for the supporters who have always backed us – it was a special atmosphere. There is a lot of talent in this team and, as I tell them on a daily basis, their ceiling is so high.
“Today we saw some things improve and we saw their bravery and courage with the ball. They are a team that want to score tries and we scored four today against a brilliant France defence and restricted them to three. It was great Test match.”