France held their nerve to beat England within the last match of the 2022 Six Nations in Paris on Saturday evening and declare their first title since 2010.
France went into the Take a look at needing a win, after Eire had overwhelmed Scotland with a bonus level earlier within the day to briefly climb to first place.
Regardless of a nervy efficiency, crammed with quite a lot of uncharacteristic dealing with errors, France did sufficient to see off Eddie Jones’ England in a 25-13 win and break their Six Nations title drought, bagging the Grand Slam within the course of.
It’s a large assertion of intent from the World Cup hosts, simply over a yr out earlier than the worldwide event, and equally an vital demonstration that they’ve the temperament to win a significant title.
The house aspect dominated the collisions and breakdowns, taking an early 8-0 lead via Gael Fickou’s attempt to Melvyn Jaminet’s first penalty. Nonetheless, it was a lower than medical efficiency from the French and England managed to battle their manner again into the match and slender the rating to 11-6.
France struck a vital blow simply earlier than half time as they minimize the road a few instances earlier than flank Francois Cros reached over to dot down from shut vary. Jaminet nailed the conversion to offer France a 12-point lead on the break.
England put the title again within the stability after they struck early within the second half via Freddie Steward, after centre Joe Marchant ran a wonderful line to interrupt France’s defence.
The guests appeared to be getting momentum and breaking tackles at that stage. Nonetheless, two very important contributors to France’s marketing campaign –Gregory Aldritt and Antoine Dupont – mixed to ship a telling blow because the No 8 offloaded to the scrumhalf for a attempt.
In a tense end to the match, England loved loads of possession whereas France have been very happy to gradual the sport down and see it out.
Photograph: THOMAS SAMSON/AFP through Getty Photographs
