Disappointment etched on their faces as they left the field, England's rugby 'A' team were left to ponder what might have been after a crushing 35-19 defeat at the hands of France in Vannes. It was an afternoon that will go down in history for all the wrong reasons – an opportunity lost, and one that came tantalisingly close to being snatched from the jaws of victory.
But for Benhard Janse van Rensburg, it was a day of what-ifs, a fumbled try-scoring chance near the try-line serving as a bitter reminder of what could have been. The South African-born centre made his debut in the 52nd minute, entering a game where England's Bristol player had a limited involvement despite an enterprising spell for his side.
The fixture may have been marked by frustration and disappointment, but it was also a platform for several key players to gain valuable experience. Tom Curry and George Martin each completed 51 minutes, crucial steps in their preparation for the impending clash with South Africa on 4 July. And there were encouraging displays from teenage wing Noah Caluori and Cadan Murley, who made an impact on the opposite flank with a try that gave England a brief lead.
But try as they might, the English side simply couldn't maintain their momentum. A trio of tries – scored by Murley, Marcus Smith, and Max Ojomoh – were unable to stem the tide against a resolute French defence. France, meanwhile, proved deadly in possession, with Nicolas Depoortere, Gregoire Arfeuil, Nolann Le Garrec, Antoine Hastoy, and Fabien Brau-Boirie all crossing the whitewash. A disallowed try for Caluori due to an earlier knock-on further compounded England's woes.
The scratch team – featuring numerous unfamiliar combinations – only fired in brief bursts, often breaking down under their own mistakes. While the match served its purpose in providing game time and assessing new talent ahead of the senior side's upcoming Test series, the decisive nature of the French victory will undoubtedly prompt a period of reflection for Borthwick and his coaching staff.