England defied recent history to beat France 22-6 in Beziers and register their third win of the campaign.

Les Bleuets had won their previous 13 home games in the competition but ill-discipline cost them dear at the Stade de la Méditerranée, one of the stadiums that will host the World Rugby U20 Championship 2018 from 30 May-17 June.

Fly-half Tom Hardwick booted five penalties and converted the only try of the game, scored by Cameron Redpath, son of Scotland legend Bryan, against a France side reduced to 13 men in the dying stages when Pierre-Henri Azagoh and Hassane Kolingar were sent off for a dangerous clearout at the ruck. Hardwick's opposite number Romain Ntamack supplied France's points via two penalties.

England are now level on points with France at the top of the table with one round to go, although Les Bleuets have a vastly superior points difference (+110 to +44). France finish their campaign against Wales at Parc Eirias in Colwyn Bay while England face Ireland at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry. Both matches form part of a double-header with the respective women’s internationals.

While the senior Italian national team’s long losing run continues in the Six Nations, the Azzurrini snapped a 20-game losing run with a first-ever win over Wales at this level.

Italy led 8-0 at half-time thanks to an unconverted try from Mancini Parri and an Antonio Rizzi penalty. Tommy Rogers pulled a try back for Wales soon after the restart but the boot of man of the match Rizzi kept Italy ahead before Matteo Luccardi scored late on to seal an 18-7 win.

Ireland have featured in a number of high-scoring matches in 2018 and Friday’s encounter with Scotland was no different.

Number eight Jack O’Sullivan bagged his second brace in as many games to inspire his team to a 30-25 win that keeps their title hopes alive. O’Sullivan’s double came either side of tries from fellow forwards Matthew Dalton and Matthew Agnew, while Kyle Rowe, Martin Hughes and replacement Nathan McBeth crossed for the visitors.

Ireland can still win the Championship if they beat England and France slip up against Wales in the final round.

Photo credit: I.PICAREL/FFR