England celebrate at the final whistle.

By Dave Ord

It wasn't quite "Le Crunch" – but England avenged their 2002 defeat at the hands of France to move into pole position in this year's title race.

The statistics show they were outscored by three tries to one but don't let that fool you.

This wasn't a case of ruthlessly efficient England wearing down a French side full of Gallic flair, the victory was deserved – but the performance can be improved upon.

Jonny Wilkinson's boot was to ultimately prove the difference between the two sides but ten minute spells at the start and finish of the game apart, Clive Woodward's troops always looked comfortable.

They dominated up front, had the explosive Jason Robinson in good form at full-back and never looked likely to relinquish the 9-7 lead they took into the interval.

There are problems though.

The experiment of playing Charlie Hodgson at centre wasn't a roaring success.

The Sale man is a class act – but at fly-half.

He looks set to return to the frustrating role of Wilkinson's understudy.

France weren't at their best but still posed England problems.

Clement Poitrenaud looks a real find at full-back while the pack will surely prove too hot to handle for some of the lesser teams in the competition.

Sadly for Bernard Laporte's side Gerald Merceron didn't fire at fly-half.

His kicking from hand was erratic and his efforts at goal woeful.

He is a man under pressure.

Over in Rome the tournament exploded into life with the home side's defeat of Wales.

The Italian pack were magnificent and once Matt Phillips put them two scores in front midway through the second half, there was to be no way back for the visitors.

Diego Dominguez continues to be their talisman at fly-half but it is in the pack, and backrow in particular, where they are making rapid strides.

The odds are that Saturday's will be their only win of the 2003 tournament.

They should enjoy it – but also take great heart from how the gap is closing on those sides towards the bottom of the table.

For Wales this was a low point, coach Steve Hansen questioning the attitude of his players.

They were beaten up front, but went down with a whimper.

I saw plenty of Iestyn Harris as a rugby league player and have often questioned how he would adapt to the role of fly-half in his new code.

For Leeds Harris liked to drift across the field, looking for gaps to dart into. In Union he can become isolated. He did show a glimpse of his undoubted ability with the break for Dwayne Peel's late try and had a good game with the boot but he is a member of a Welsh side sadly lacking in crucial areas.

England are in Cardiff in seven days' time and nothing pushes more fire through the Welsh veins than the sight of the white shirt.

But this is a troubled camp at present.

The theme from Mission Impossible may well be their anthem next Saturday.