LONDON, 13 March 2005 — World champions England won their first match of this season’s Six Nations with a 39-7 victory over Italy here at Twickenham yesterday.
Both sides came into this ‘Wooden Spoon’ decider on the back of three tournament defeats from three games but it was England who emerged on top with right wing Mark Cueto’s hat-trick coming amidst six tries.
Hooker Steve Thompson and impressive recalled full-back Iain Balshaw, in the side for the first time in over a year, and replacement back-row Andy Hazell also crossed the Italian line.
In Dublin, France derailed Ireland’s dream of a first grand slam in 57 years and kept alive their hopes of retaining their Six Nations title with a breathless 26-19 win at Lansdowne Road. First half tries from the impressive Christophe Dominici and debutant centre Benoit Baby put France in the driving seat and a committed defense weathered a second half Irish storm before Dominici went over for his second try late on to seal the win.
