Veteran fly-half Frederic Michalak gave his hopes of a World Cup starting spot a major lift with a record-breaking performance as France downed England 25-20 in Saturday’s warm-up match.
Michalak kicked 17 points as he became France’s all-time leading scorer, boosting his hopes of a third World Cup appearance when coach Philippe Saint-Andre names his final squad on Sunday.
France were worthy winners although they had to endure a nervy last 10 minutes when England, trailing 25-6 at the time, scored two quickfire tries.
England had won the first of these warm-ups last weekend at Twickenham with a narrow 19-14 triumph.
France made 12 changes from that match while England went for 14 changes in their starting XV, making them almost at full-strength.