Nowell double not enough

England 55

France 35

England put in a meteoric display to score a record points total against France, but ultimately fell agonisingly short of a first RBS 6 Nations since 2011.

In a day of records across the RBS 6 Nations, Wales, England and Ireland ended up separated only by points difference - with Ireland retaining the title for the second consecutive season.

Over an epic day of rugby, Wales annihilated Italy 61-20 in the early kick-off to go top of the table. However, Ireland soon snatched back pole position after thumping Scotland 40-10 in Murrayfield.

All that meant England knew they had to beat France at Twickenham by a margin of 26 points.

The home side could hardly have done more as they ran in seven tries including two from man-of-the-match Ben Youngs, who was a bundle of energy throughout.

Tries from Billy Vunipola, Anthony Watson, George Ford and two more from Jack Nowell (pictured) put England within touching distance of a remarkable Championship win in a sensational game of rugby, to which France fully played their part with five tries of their own.

The first half was punctuated with sublime rugby from the off as England, once again, started boldly with severe pressure forcing a midfield turnover.

Jonathan Joseph skated through before linking up with Mike Brown and Ford to put Youngs over.

But France pulled themselves right back into the game when Tillous-Borde snaffled up a loose ball at the breakdown and charged in for a 70 metres score.

A bizarre moment followed, when Fijian-born wing Noa Nakaitaci dashed over the try line but very nearly went over the dead ball line before dotting down. The TMO took several looks but France had the lead as the size of the task grew for England.

Next on the scoresheet was Watson, who was fed by James Haskell close to the line following a Dan Cole turnover and Youngs break.

England's next try was stunning as a quick lineout close to their own line released Joseph, who raced 60m down field before nudging ahead for Luther Burrell to chase.

The big centre forced a penalty from the covering defence and Brown took a quick tap. Following another ruck, Youngs darted over to leave the score at 27-15 at the halfway stage.

The second half did not slow down as both sides remained committed to all out attack.

First it was France's turn as Guilham Guirado raced at the line to slip an offload to Maxime Mermoz to dive over.

The white shirts hit straight back as, yet again, Youngs tore through the French fringe defence to put half-back partner and long-time friend Ford under the sticks.

Exeter Chief Nowell then scampered for his first score before flanker Haskell was sent to the sin bin for a trip on French fly half Jules Plisson.

France took advantage of the extra man as wing Nakaitaci carried another 60m to find loosehead prop Vincent Debaty in support to score.

A quite unbelievable game of rugby continued to unfold and next over was Billy Vunipola from close range –  deserved reward for an immense Championship. But France weren't done and Benjamin Kayser was soon adjudged the scorer of a powerful line-out drive.

With five minutes remaining, England summoned the effort from the depths of their energy reserves and were rewarded when Cornishman Nowell sliced over for his second from a set move off a scrum to put England within six points of taking top spot.

The game came down to the wire with one minute left on the clock. Ford kicked a penalty to the corner. The home side rumbled towards the line but were hauled down yards short before English hearts were broken by referee Nigel Owens' whistle, signalling a penalty for a ruck infringement.

The game was done and England had fallen cruelly short with Ireland crowned champions.