France kicks around England

France is the favorite to clinch the Six Nations title, and back in favor with its temperamental fans.

France ran in three tries Sunday in a 31-6 victory at Stade de France, the first after 40 seconds, and left a once proud England team stunned.

"We were awful," Robinson said. "We performed poorly in all aspects of the game. It was all about silencing the crowd. But we either kicked poorly or knocked the ball on.''

The hard-to-please French fans had booed the home team in the two previous home wins against Ireland and Italy.

This time, they were treated to a standing ovation, impromptu chants of the national anthem, and a lap of honor. England's dejected players trudged back to the dressing room.

"The players responded today," France coach Bernard Laporte said. "I'm not saying we are favorites to win the Six Nations but we definitely have taken an option toward that."

Since winning the World Cup in 2003, England's form has dropped: 12 test defeats overall and only five wins in the last 12 Six Nations matches.

Robinson previously said he felt the team could repeat its 2003 success. After Sunday's humiliation, he is not so certain.

"It changes your mind-set," Robinson said, referring to the loss.

Five England players, including scrumhalf Matt Dawson and center Mike Tindall, had fallen ill overnight with gastroenteritis.

"The tries we conceded have nothing to do with illness," Robinson said. "It is important to take responsibility for this, for all the fans who were brilliant again."

He said the players were "stunned" but "put their hands up like the good professionals they are."

Florian Fritz, Damien Traille and Christophe Dominici all scored for Les Tricolores, while scrumhalf Dimitri Yachvili continued his personal triumph against England, kicking 16 points and taking his tally to 55 points in the last three games.

England trailed by 13-0 after 11 minutes in front of a stadium record 80,009 fans, and was unable to exert sustained pressure.

"We gave them far too many opportunities to show how good they are," Robinson said.

Flyhalf Charlie Hodgson and substitute Andy Goode kicked a penalty each for England, while Yachvili kicked four penalties and two conversions.

France, with three wins, leads the standings on points difference from Ireland.

France is at Wales and England -- which is third with two wins -- hosts Ireland in the last round of the championship.

"We will bounce back at Twickenham," Robinson said.

With the fans barely in their seats and others still queuing, flyhalf Frederic Michalak's high kick landed between England fullback Josh Lewsey and center Jamie Noon, allowing Fritz to collect the ball and run in a converted try.

France's lighter forward pack had England on the back foot in the opening 25 minutes, but Yachvili missed a penalty and Michalak a drop goal.

Hodgson missed a simple penalty attempt in the 28th; then he and Yachvili traded to make it 16-3 at halftime.

Robinson replaced Hodgson -- who had a hamstring injury -- at the break with Goode and he made it 16-6 soon after.

Traille's darting run through the middle carved a huge gap in England's defense. He was tackled short of the line, but gathered the ball after releasing it to score his 10th try for France.

Yachvili's penalty made it 24-6, and then veteran Dominici intercepted a stray pass late on to run under the posts for his 19th international try in his 51st appearance.