England and France deadlocked

France 0 England 0

England made a bright start amid a crackling atmosphere, and they dominated possession for the opening five minutes.

Prop Trevor Woodman made a powerful charge, and there was an early skirmish between England captain Lawrence Dallaglio and his French number eight Imanol Harinordoquy, which resulted in the visitors gaining a penalty.

Barkley lined up a shot at goal from 48metres, but his kick just fell short.

France responded by putting England under serious pressure, and the visiting defence was stretched when flanker Olivier Magne ran menacingly into the 22. Centre Yannick Jauzion and skipper Fabien Pelous took the move on, but England were able to snuff out any danger and the lively opening 10 minutes finished with the teams still locked together 0-0.