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'The drama!' - How social media reacted as the Autumn Nations Cup exploded into life on the final day
By Ian Cameron
It took its time, but the Autumn Nations Cup finally exploded into life, delivering drama of the highest order, as England snatched the trophy from France deep into the second half of extra time.
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Eddie Jones’ side certainly didn’t have it their own way. France, who theoretically fielded a C team on paper at least, came to fight, and in truth, will take a moral victory away after the bitter nature of this 22 – 19 defeat has subsided.
Sneak peek of Eddie Jones' England debrief at Pennyhill Park next week 🔥 pic.twitter.com/gzaFfG7C1N
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) December 6, 2020
Le Bleus hadn’t been given a chance in the run-up, but ultimately it was an Owen Farrell extra-time penalty that was the difference between their young side and England’s first-choice selection.
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It was true edge of your seat stuff and it delighted rugby fans, who have had to wait for the final weekend to be delivered any kind of excitement in what pretty much all fans have agreed had been a dreary competition to date.
Twitter, naturally, went into overdrive. Here’s some of the reaction:
Welsh star James Hook tweeted: “This sudden death extra time is just the kind of entertainment this autumn nations cup needed.”
This sudden death extra time is just the kind of entertainment this autumn nations cup needed. #ENGvFRA
— James William Hook (@hookjameshook) December 6, 2020
“If you’re trailing to a weakened French side after almost 60 minutes at home, then your kicking strategy isn’t working.”
If you're trailing to a weakened French side after almost 60 minutes at home, then your kicking strategy isn't working. #ENGvFRA
— Ben Coles (@bencoles_) December 6, 2020
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“England resilience and France inspiring,” wrote World Cup winner Phil Vickery.
England resilience and France inspiring #ENGvFRA
— Phil Vickery MBE DL (@Phil_Vickery) December 6, 2020
American Seven guru Mike Friday singled out Brice Dulin for praise: “How good is the little man Dulin in the backfield under the high ball.”
…How good is the little man Dulin in the backfield under the high ball #smallmanbigjob #ENGvFRA
— Mike Friday (@MikeFriday09) December 6, 2020
“Any chance of making golden point a thing every game? Loving this! Some atmosphere at Twickenham,” posted Rob Vickerman.
Any chance of making golden point a thing every game? Loving this! Some atmosphere at Twickenham #ENGvFRA pic.twitter.com/xoxtPQyRtm
— Rob Vickerman (@robvickerman) December 6, 2020
‘The drama!” wrote another.
The drama!#ENGvFRA
— EK Rugby Analysis (@ek_rugby) December 6, 2020
It’s great to see fans back at Twickenham #ENGvFRA pic.twitter.com/VV56bOpAgc
— Graham Love (@glove931) December 6, 2020
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That French defence. #ENGvFRA pic.twitter.com/QrozK60Pg3
— Ian Price (@goatteeboy) December 6, 2020
Wow wow wow!!! This game is none stop! 🏴🇫🇷🏆#ENGvFRA #AutumnNationsCup
— Guinness Men's Six Nations (@SixNationsRugby) December 6, 2020
George Ford when Owen Farrell insists on kicking.#ENGvFRA pic.twitter.com/t25KoueOtt
— Tom McLaughlin (@TheTomMac) December 6, 2020
Can’t believe some Scots snuck into twickenham today just to boo the kicker#rugbyvalues #Disgraceful #ENGvFRA
— Graham Love (@glove931) December 6, 2020
