POOLE-born Amy Wilson Hardy wrapped up a stirring England comeback as the Red Roses sunk France in their Women's Six Nations opener at Twickenham.

Wilson Hardy, who represented Great Britain in the sevens competition at Rio 2016, touched down in the closing stages to wrap up a 26-13 win.

Former Ellingham & Ringwood youngster Poppy Cleall came on as a second-half replacement just before the hour mark, winning her eighth cap in the process.

But Alderholt-raised Cleall had to be taken off two minutes from the time due to fears she had sustained head injury following a high tackle, although the Bristol lock was soon given the all clear.

France took a 13-0 lead into the break thanks to Shannon Izar's interception score, a penalty from Christelle Le Duff and a further try from skipper Gaelle Mignot.

Emily Scarratt reduced the lead with a penalty and Danielle Waterman dummied her way through to score in the corner before Scarratt added the extras.

Scarratt kicked three further penalties to put the Red Roses six points ahead and Wilson Hardy's rapid, jinking run completed the scoring, with the conversion added.

Head coach Simon Middleton said: “I’m absolutely thrilled with the second-half performance. The players showed composure to get back in the game like they did and dominate.

"They played really smart and took on board exactly what we said at half-time. It showed that they are not only great rugby players technically but they are also good at managing the game as well.”

England take on Wales at Cardiff Arms Park on Saturday.

Middleton added: “We need to play for 80 minutes and not 40 going forward.

"We’ll have a really good look at our game ahead of Wales and see why things broke down in the first half.

"We’ll look at why it went right in the second half and improve on things that went well.”