VANNES, France — Cadan Murley didn’t waste any time making a statement. The Harlequins wing crossed for a try inside the opening minute of England XV’s 35-19 loss to France XV at Stade de la Rabine, and he never really let up from there. It was the kind of performance that leaves a mark on a coaching staff picking a Test side against the world champions next month.
Murley finished with a 8 out of 10 rating from our crew. Ball in hand, he was a consistent problem for the French defense. Good change of direction, some sharp footwork, and just enough venom in his carries to keep the back line honest. If Steve Borthwick is looking for a spark against South Africa this summer, Murley just handed him a very clear memo.
Noah Caluori didn’t look like a rookie
The other real bright spot on the night? Noah Caluori. The 20-year-old wing didn’t just hold his own — he was directly involved in two first-half scores and nearly bagged one of his own in the second half before a knock-on call wiped it out. He got an 8 as well. For a guy who’s still basically a prospect, he looked like he belonged.
That matters for July. England’s summer tour is coming fast, and guys like Caluori who can slide into a Test environment without looking nervous or lost have a way of sticking around. He was looking for work, getting involved in contact, and carrying with intent. The staff will have noticed.
Marcus Smith did Marcus Smith things
Marcus Smith had a couple of unforced errors early — they were there, clear as day — but he didn’t let them rattle him. He finished with a try. He led the team in carries and meters gained. He injected himself into counter-attack play the way you’d expect from a guy who wants to be the starting flyhalf when the Boks roll into town. A 7 feels about right. Not perfect. But he kept pushing.
Max Ojomoh grew into the game and got rewarded with a try at the death. He’s been on the outside of the conversation at times, but this was a reminder that he can play. Seb Atkinson had some nice moments as an extra playmaker early on, but it was a quiet night overall for him. George Ford showed flashes but couldn’t quite get the attack to explode the way he threatened to. Same story for Harry Randall. Busy, but couldn’t kick on.
The forward pack grinded but couldn’t take control
Alex Dombrandt had a big night — topped the tackle chart for England and was constantly looking for work. That 7 will help his summer tour case. Tom Curry did what Tom Curry does: hard graft in the tight, no flash, just dirty work. Ted Hill made a solid return after time away. He did what was asked.
George Martin will be sore tomorrow. He put his body through the wringer out there. Charlie Ewels trucked hard. The tight five as a whole didn’t take a backward step. Theo Dan did the nuts-and-bolts stuff well. Asher Opoku-Fordjour started his summer on a decent note — scrum held up, he got stuck in. George Kloska was understated but solid.
The bench couldn’t stop the French momentum in the second half. To their credit, they didn’t do a lot wrong, but France just kept coming. Benhard Janse van Rensburg will probably be replaying that knock-on near the try line in his head for a while.
England XV head home with a loss, but a few guys walk away looking like they made real progress. That matters more than the scoreboard in June.
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