**
Chris Robshaw of England is tackled by Francois Trinh-Duc of France during the RBS Six Nations match between England and France at Twickenham Stadium on February 23, 2013 in London, England.
(February 22, 2013 - Source: Tom Shaw/Getty Images Europe)
England conquer the French
Planet Rugby Match Report:
England sidestepped their latest challenge on their way to a Grand Slam with a punishing 23-13 victory over France at Twickenham.
France were transformed from the sluggish side that were abysmal against Wales a fortnight ago - aggressive at the breakdown and benefiting from moving Wesley Fofana back into the centre after his ill-fated stint on the wing.
England were more clinical in the second-half and gained the lead thanks to a fortuitous try from Tuilagi, who enjoyed an excellent afternoon against his French counterpart Mathieu Bastareaud.
Wesley Fofana of France breaks away from Chris Ashton and Ben Youngs of England to score a try during the RBS Six Nations match between England and France at Twickenham Stadium on February 23, 2013 in London, England.
(February 22, 2013 - Source: Clive Mason/Getty Images Europe)
**
Morgan Parra of France tackles Manu Tuilagi of England during the RBS Six Nations match between England and France at Twickenham Stadium on February 23, 2013 in London, England.
(February 22, 2013 - Source: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images Europe)
A brutally physical clash worth of its affectionate title, saw frequent crunching tackles whilst the scrum was a contest initially dominated by France, before England gained parity as the match progressed.
It was far from the greatest performance under Stuart Lancaster, but a crucial result that leaves England with Italy and Wales in their path on the way to a first Grand Slam since 2003.
Manu Tuilagi of England looks to offload the ball during the RBS Six Nations match between England and France at Twickenham Stadium on February 23, 2013 in London, England.
(February 22, 2013 - Source: Warren Little/Getty Images Europe)
**
Morgan Parra of France tackles Manu Tuilagi of England during the RBS Six Nations match between England and France at Twickenham Stadium on February 23, 2013 in London, England.
(February 22, 2013 - Source: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images Europe)
**
Man of the Match: Despite the presence of Tuilagi, Tom Wood was outstanding for England from the base of the scrum.
Moment of the Match: With a lucky break needed, Manu Tuilagi could scarcely believe his luck as he picked up a loose ball and scored England's first try.
Villain of the Match: Not the greatest of substitute appearances for Frederic Michalak, whose little errors gave up key points in the second half.
***
Yoann Huget of France and Alex Goode of England go up for a high ball during the RBS Six Nations match between England and France at Twickenham Stadium on February 23, 2013 in London, England.
(February 22, 2013 - Source: Tom Shaw/Getty Images Europe)
**
Wesley Fofana of France runs through to score a try during the RBS Six Nations match between England and France at Twickenham Stadium on February 23, 2013 in London, England.
(February 22, 2013 - Source: Clive Mason/Getty Images Europe)
**
Ben Youngs of England kicks upfield during the RBS Six Nations match between England and France at Twickenham Stadium on February 23, 2013 in London, England.
(February 22, 2013 - Source: Clive Mason/Getty Images Europe)
**
next test:
Ireland v France
Aviva Stadium - Dublin
9TH MARCH
*
England v Italy
Twickenham - London
10th March
****
