Six Nations round-up: France race to top of the market with triumph over England

France saw their odds to win the 2020 Six Nations title slashed after a sensational 24-17 home victory over shell-shocked England on Sunday.

The World Cup runners-up had been 5-6 to win the tournament and just 15-8 for a Grand Slam as they kicked off at the Stade de France as 4-7 favourites to win their opener.

But France raced into a 17-0 half-time lead with tries from Vincent Rattez and captain Charles Ollivon and the skipper added another in the second half.

England raised their game in the final quarter of the match and reduced the deficit with two tries from Jonny May.

Having drifted out to 50-1 for victory in-play, Eddie Jones’s team were as short as 9-2 after May’s second score but the hosts held on.

France, the 13-2 fourth favourites behind England, Ireland and Wales, are now best at 11-4 but as short as 2-1. England are 5-2, Ireland 7-2 and Wales 4-1 with Scotland 40-1.

England, who salvaged a losing bonus point, face a trip to Scotland in their second match on Saturday.

Round one results: Wales 42 Italy 0, Ireland 19 Scotland 12, France 24 England 17.

Round two fixtures - Saturday, Feb 8: Ireland v Wales, Scotland v England; Sunday, Feb 9: France v Italy.

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