Easter determined to kick on

Nick Easter described England's 24-13 win over France as a “massive springboard” after their victory at Stade de France threw open the Six Nations.

Nick Easter described England's 24-13 win over France as a “massive springboard” after their victory at Stade de France threw open the Six Nations championship.

Fly-half Jonny Wilkinson was in world record-breaking form, slotting his 29th Test drop-goal as part of a 14-point haul.

Wilkinson also booted three penalties and a conversion of wing Paul Sackey's early try as England dashed French Grand Slam hopes to leave Wales leading the table, while scrum-half Richard Wigglesworth claimed a late score.

Easter insisted, though, that England could not rest after their victory as he looked ahead.

“It is a massive springboard. To win away is what rugby is all about really, but we can't take a step backwards like we did after the World Cup,” he said, speaking to BBC One.

“We've got to go up to Murrayfield and I think we've got a score to settle there.”

England had beaten France at the same venue in the World Cup semi-final last October and Easter admits they relish playing the opposition.

“It is always good playing them; I've always enjoyed the occasions,” added the number eight.

“But we are still looking to go forward and we've been disappointed with the previous two performances.

“We came back to a ground we quite like and did the job.”

Meanwhile, England coach Brian Ashton denied his team were playing for their places in the side but admitted they had had to pull out a good performance under pressure.

“It's a bit strong saying that but they were under no illusions they had to put a performance in today,” he said.

“We needed to. We have played two half games and we needed to do a full one.”

Ashton also revealed his pride over the team's response after recent below-par performances against Wales and Italy.

“I am very proud. I never had doubts with this group of players that they could respond and put on a performance like that.

“But there are things to work on. We came in at half-time ahead and felt we had hardly had any ball.

“We need to make it a bit easier for ourselves.”

Debutant Wigglesworth was clearly thrilled with his try-scoring performance as he capped an impressive 80 minutes by sliding over in the last play.

“It was a great occasion, it is a wonderful setting and I thoroughly enjoyed it,” he beamed.

“We're right back in it. We said we could still win it and nobody believed us, but maybe now they will.”