Online Reporter
FRANCE clinched back-to-back Six Nations crowns with the very last kick of the tournament – breaking English and Irish hearts.
The Red Rose arrived at the Stade de France off the back of a hat-trick of defeats to Scotland, Ireland and Italy.
And things seemed to be getting even worse with another hat-trick – this time from France’s tremendous wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey.
But in a match that flipped throughout – and saw England pick up yet another yellow card, this time for Ellis Genge – the visitors refused to give up.
They led 39-38 with 15 minutes to go.
But Bielle-Biarrey showed his lightning-quick speed yet again to burst through and restore France’s lead with his fourth try of a stunning night under the lights.
Fittingly, that finish broke the record for the most tries in a Six Nations campaign – and this year will live long in the memory.
But as La Marseillaise resonated around the Stade, the French were stunned into silence as Tommy Freeman broke through a gap and scored their seventh try of the night.
Marcus Smith added the extras to go 46-45 ahead with two minutes to go.
The cheers could be heard all the way from Dublin, where Ireland knew an England win would give them the title.
With the clock in the red, and France down to 14, the hosts got a penalty.
Maro Itoje argued over exactly where it should be taken from.
But Thomas Ramos would not be distracted.
Ramos – who had succeeded with all six of his kicks thus far – teed it up as everyone in France, England and Ireland held their breath.
And he delivered in style, thumping his effort from halfway right down the middle to literally win the Six Nations with the final kick of an enthralling tournament.
The full-back stood with his arms out wide as the ball sailed through the posts, the flags went up and the whistle blew.
France the Six Nations champions in the most thrilling fashion.
France elation. –The Sun
Mathew Masinge