France were crowned Six Nations champions for the second consecutive year in the most dramatic fashion, as Thomas Ramos’s last-gasp penalty sealed victory over England in a breathtaking encounter in Paris. The hosts appeared destined for disappointment when Tommy Freeman crossed for a 76th-minute try to put England ahead, but a late penalty at a ruck 45 metres out handed Ramos the chance to win the championship – and he held his nerve.
The victory secured back-to-back titles for France for the first time since 2007, while inflicting on England a fourth defeat in a single championship campaign for the first time in 50 years. Statistically, it is England’s worst Six Nations since the tournament expanded, yet they were a vastly improved side from the one that had lost to Scotland, Ireland and Italy earlier in the competition. Ollie Chessum was outstanding for the visitors, scoring two tries, and England’s resurgence could extend head coach Steve Borthwick’s tenure.
In a match that produced 13 tries, France were indebted to winger Louis Bielle-Biarrey, who became the first player to score a try in every championship game in successive seasons, crossing four times. England also contributed to a thrilling spectacle, with Tom Roebuck, Cadan Murley and Alex Coles all touching down, while Fin Smith even converted one score with a drop-kick after the ball fell off the tee. The pre-match ceremony featured a son et lumière show with horses, fireworks and a bemused Frédéric Michalak, and France’s pale blue jerseys were part of a special anniversary edition of Le Crunch.
France’s victory also dashed Ireland’s hopes of a late title heist, as they had done their part with a home win over Scotland. For England, the pain of defeat was acute, having scored 46 points and seven tries in Paris and still lost. They will reflect on their inability to retain possession in the dying moments before the decisive penalty. For France, the relief was palpable, as they came within seconds of allowing the championship to slip away.
