The first official rugby union match between England and France was played in 1906 at Parc des Princes in Paris. It was a closely contested match, with England emerging victorious by a score of 8-0. The two teams would meet again the following year, with France exacting their revenge by defeating England 11-3 in the return match at Twickenham.
The rivalry between the two teams continued to intensify throughout the years, with both sides enjoying their fair share of victories. However, it was during the 1980s and 1990s that the rivalry truly reached its height.
In 1991, the two teams met in the quarterfinals of the Rugby World Cup, which was held in England. The match was a classic, with England narrowly escaping with a 19-10 victory. However, it was the semifinal match in the 1995 Rugby World Cup that truly cemented the intense rivalry between the two teams.
The match, which was played in Cape Town, South Africa, was a brutal and physical affair that saw England eventually emerging victorious by a score of 29-15. The match was marred by a controversial incident involving French captain Philippe Saint-André, who had a legitimate try disallowed by the referee. The decision proved to be crucial, as England eventually secured their place in the final, where they lost to South Africa.
In the years that followed, the two teams would continue to butt heads on the international stage, with both sides enjoying their fair share of victories. However, it was during the 2015 Rugby World Cup that the rivalry would once again reach its boiling point.
The two teams were placed in the same group, which meant that they would meet in the tournament’s opening match. In front of a capacity crowd at Twickenham, England dominated from start to finish, eventually emerging victorious by a score of 19-14. The victory was an important one for England, as it allowed them to top the group and pave their way to the tournament’s knockout stages.
Looking ahead, the rivalry between England and France is set to continue for many years to come. With both sides boasting some of the best talents in the sport, it is sure to be a match-up that rugby union fans will continue to look forward to with great anticipation.
In conclusion, the history of rugby union matches between England and France is one that is steeped in tradition and rivalry. From the first official match in 1906 to the latest encounter in 2015, the two teams have engaged in some of the most memorable and intense matches in the sport’s history. Whether it’s at Twickenham, Parc des Princes, or any other rugby stadium around the world, the rivalry between these two great nations is one that will continue to captivate rugby union fans for many years to come.