Magne and Ibanez empathise with England

Olivier Magne and Raphael Ibanez have given a critical insight into England's Parisian demise and concluded that, just 18 months before defending the World Cup, they are a side without identity and direction.

Both men were speaking from a position of experience - France themselves have been castigated in the past for failing to develop a style suitable for all occasions, not least after losing the World Cup semi-final to England in a Sydney rainstorm.

France were by no means at their flowing best on Sunday either but, as Thomas Castaignede put it, they found "the keys required to win the game".

It took France 11 minutes to open a 13-0 lead and not much longer to realise England had nothing to offer in response. "We were really focused on the beginning of the game and when you start well it brings big confidence to the team. We had this feeling after 25 minutes that the English team were short of solutions and options. This was exactly what we wanted," said Ibanez, the Wasps hooker.

Magne, the London Irish openside flanker, questioned England's tactical approach on an afternoon ideal for running rugby. "England are still trying to find their identity. They kicked too much and gave us too much ball to play and with that our backs are able to make a difference one on one. That is exactly what happened," said Magne.

"If the players are told to kick they ball, they have to do that because the coach decides how to play but it suited our way to play. We played well and England didn't play at their best level."

But, while France insist on not getting carried away with their record-equalling victory - French title hopes now rest on beating Wales next weekend - so they stressed that England should not be too down-hearted.

"This is a big defeat for England, but it's not too late," offered Magne. "This was not the World Cup final, that is 18 months away and the English players will be ready for the World Cup."

Ibanez added: "This situation is the opposite of what I have experienced so many times, with the scores in England's favour.

"But France bounced back and I have no doubt England will be prepared to do the same, even though I understand how disappointed they are."