Jonny Wilkinson kicked England to a famous victory as Matt Dawson's men deservedly won their Six Nations Championship showdown with World Cup finalists' France. The Newcastle fly-half booted five penalties in a game of high drama that saw two players from each side sin-binned and England temporarily reduced to 13 men during a frantic finish. Lock Simon Shaw and wing Austin Healey were both off the field when France laid siege to England's try line, but the visitors held out by maintaining their magnificent defence. The earlier damage had been done by Wilkinson, who slotted five penalties from six attempts, establishing a 9-0 lead that France could never overhaul.
England's first triumph in Paris since 1994 can be owed to the raw courage of all 15 players. Lawrence Dallaglio was a towering influence in both attack and defence. England looks well set for both the Six Nations title and a first Grand Slam since 1995. They play Wales next at Twickenham, followed by Italy and then Scotland. France, who had Lock Olivier Brouzet and replacement flanker Serge Betsen sin-binned, relied on three Richard Dourthe penalties for their points, but could not complain that England ran out victors.
