L'Equipe

"With formidable tenacity, England waited for their time - or rather their last five minutes. In their disciplined way, the white defence held off the untidy attacking assaults of the French. It was as if they knew their moment would come. And it came through the surges of Robinson, who played the last few minutes as if they were pre-ordained. By choosing to live by the boot, France finished by dying by the boot, the majestic boot of Wilkinson. "

Le Journal du Dimanche

"The great four-year journey, with a preparation unequalled in the history of French sport, is a patent failure and the analysis of it should spare no one. France came up against the world champions like a bull wearing blinkers, running into a solid white wall."

Le Parisien

In failing to find the measure of the English XV, France relived the nightmare of Sydney [in 2003]. In failing to decide whether to play with the boot or the hand, France allowed England to stay in the match. [The English] have broken the dream of a nation. Now everything must change in the days to come."