May Treble Helps England Thrash France

Jonny May grabbed a hat-trick as England made it two wins from two in the Six Nations with a 44-8 thrashing of France at Twickenham.

The 28-year-old Leicester Tigers winger completed his treble inside the opening half-hour of the game against Les Bleus to make it 12 tries from as many Tests for the Red Rose.

Henry Slade and Owen Farrell both crossed and the hosts were awarded a second-half penalty try as France’s points came through a Damian Penaud try and Morgan Parra penalty in the first half.

Farrell’s successful kicking meant he ended the game with 17 points as England secured their biggest win over France since 1911 to move two points clear at the top of the Six Nations table after winning 32-20 in Ireland last week.

The trip to face second-placed Wales in Cardiff in a fortnight could be crucial to their hopes of sealing a second Grand Slam win under Jones’ leadership.

Jones said: “We’re a defensive team so to hold France to eight points was very important to us. We’re finding an English way to do kick in behind. You need to bring the defence forward then have the skill to see the space.

“Jonny May on the kick chase is like watching dogs in the park. “Looking forward to going to Cardiff and taking on the greatest Welsh side ever. That’s what I’m hearing.”