Maxwell's try came after only three minutes following a penalty by visiting fly-half Dave Slemen, son of the former England wing.

BBC: Ulster cruise to victory

Johnson made seven changes to the team who drew in the previous encounter with the Barbarians, and newcomer Dave Strettle certainly added some zest to the back division as England began brightly.

BBC: Aussie Barbarians 9-15 England

"The message we'll pass onto the players is that we haven't beaten England in a competitive game for four years now, " said France defence coach Dave Ellis.

BBC: France name unchanged squad for Six Nations finale

But after lengthy management discussions, the medical staff recommended he temporarily return to the UK to receive better rehab treatment, overseen by England's chief medical officer Dr. Nick Peirce and his own fitness guru Dave Roberts.

BBC: Flintoff to return home from tour