France Secure Victory with Last-Gasp Penalty
Thomas Ramos was surrounded by his France teammates after successfully kicking the final penalty to secure victory.
Tries: Bielle-Biarrey 4, Attisogbe, Penalty Try
Conversions: Ramos 5
Penalties: Ramos 2
Tries: Roebuck, Murley, Chessum 2, Coles, M Smith, Freeman
Conversions: F Smith 2, M Smith 2
Penalties: F Smith
A remarkable performance from England nearly disrupted France's Six Nations celebrations in Paris. However, Thomas Ramos delivered a long-range penalty in stoppage time to secure an extraordinary 48-46 win and the championship title.
Earlier in the day, Ireland had won against Scotland in Dublin but witnessed the title slip away in the final moments of this thrilling edition of rugby's oldest international competition.
Tommy Freeman’s try in the 77th minute seemed to have sealed a surprise victory for England, with Freeman and his Northampton teammate Henry Pollock celebrating in front of the French supporters.
Nevertheless, France regained possession immediately after the restart and, mirroring the outcome of their encounter in Lyon two years prior, Ramos delivered the decisive kick.
England entered the match following uninspired defeats to Scotland, Ireland, and Italy but showed renewed energy and creativity that had been absent for much of their campaign.
Despite the narrow loss, which extended their losing streak to four matches, England’s performance was a testament to the players’ confidence in coach Steve Borthwick.
Team Line-Ups
France: Ramos; Attissogbe, Barassi, Moefana, Bielle-Biarrey; Jalibert, Dupont (captain); Gros, Marchand, Aldegheri, Flament, Meafou, Cros, Matiu, Ollivon.
Replacements: Mauvaka, Neti, Bamba, Auradou, Guillard, Brennan, Serin, Gailleton.
England: Daly; Roebuck, Freeman, S Atkinson, Murley; F Smith, Spencer; Genge, George, Heyes, Itoje (captain), Coles, Chessum, Pepper, Earl.
Replacements: Cowan-Dickie, Rodd, Davison, Cunningham-South, Underhill, Pollock, Van Poortvliet, M Smith.
Match Officials
Referee: Nika Amashukeli (Georgia)
Assistant Referees: Andrew Brace (Ireland) and Hollie Davidson (Scotland)
Television Match Official (TMO): Brett Cronan (Australia)
Foul Play Review Officer (FPRO): Matteo Liperini (Italy)
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