A dogged France resisted a brave England challenge to do just enough to win a bruising encounter 12-10 and complete their first Six Nations grand slam since 2004 on Saturday.
The French wore down their opponents in the scrums and mauls, relying on the accurate boot of scrumhalf Morgan Parra.
England started promisingly, scoring the only try of the match when Ben Foden finished off their best move of the tournament.
PHOTO: AFP
They kept pressing and got within two points with a superb penalty by substitute flyhalf Jonny Wilkinson, but France, with an early drop goal by flyhalf Francois Trinh-Duc and three Parra penalties in the first half, did just enough.
Ireland’s surprise home defeat by Scotland earlier in the day had already given France their first title 2007 and their Paris victory secured their ninth grand slam.
Trinh-Duc put them on the scoreboard early on with a drop goal in the wake of the first scrum after four minutes.
England, however, responded almost immediately with Toby Flood and Chris Ashton launching Foden to mark his first international start with a try. Flood converted to put the visitors 7-3 up.
Rain then started to pour down and France recovered in a rough affair with plenty of spectacular tackles to earn three penalties that Parra passed to allow France to change ends leading 12-7.
The 80,000 crowd, feeling that a memorable achievement was within reach, started singing the French national anthem, the Marseillaise, just before half-time.
They were less bullish in the second half though as France defended, largely in their own half, until Wilkinson, who had only just come on, slotted a penalty from more than 50m after 67 minutes.
England, who wasted two excellent try-scoring opportunities in the second half through poor decisions, maintained their pressure, but the French kept cool heads to hold out.
■IRELAND 20, SCOTLAND 23
AFP, DUBLIN
Australia born fly-half Dan Parks kicked 18 points as Scotland ended Ireland’s Triple Crown hopes with a win at Croke Park on Saturday.
Scotland’s victory on the final day of the tournament was their first in this Six Nations and first in nine Championship meetings against Ireland, who so desperately wanted to say farewell to Croke Park with a victory.
■WALES 33, ITALY 10
AFP, CARDIFF
Wales cruised to a convincing 33-10 Six Nations victory over Italy at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday. James Hook added a second-half brace of tries to ease Wales to only their win of the championship.
Shane Williams added a third try while Stephen Jones scored 18 points, including four penalties and three conversions. Italy fought to the death and were rewarded for their efforts when Luke McLean touched down for a consolation try.
Tom Prydie became Wales’ youngest ever player, beating Norman Biggs 122-year record. The 18-year-old showed no fear on his debut and was in the thick of the action from the kick-off.
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