Sunday Mirror (Northern Ireland)
BLEUS VICTORY SEALS A SLAM
25 13
FOR the first time since 2010 France are celebrating a Grand Slam crown after seeing off England in Paris.
Tries from Gael Fickou, Francois Cros, and Antoine Dupont helped seal a 25-13 win, with Les Blues coming through one nervy period after half-time where the visitors fought back to be within five points.
However, defeat compounded a disappointing campaign for Eddie Jones’ side, who finish third with just two wins to their name.
Ireland’s win over Scotland earlier in the day meant only a win would do for France to be crowned Six Nations champions but of more significance was the prospect of a first Slam triumph in 12 years.
And sure enough, the hosts came out at a frenzied tempo.
Despite being guilty of early handling errors, Fabien Galthien’s men still led 8-0 just 15 minutes in. From the game’s opening scrum, referee Jaco Peyper awarded a home penalty and and full-back Melvyn Jaminet made no mistake from 40 metres.
And soon the lead was extended when a spell of pressure culminated in No.10 Romain Ntamack floating a long pass out wide, and centre Fickou had the time to catch it on the bounce and go over in the corner.
England responded though as Marcus Smith landed a penalty and then were left breathing a sigh of relief after Jack Nowell escaped punishment for inadvertently taking out Jaminet in the air.
The latter then exchanged penalties with
Smith before a crucial moment before the break.
Leading 11-6, a heavy spell of French pressure saw Ntamack denied by a brilliant tackle from Ellie Genge but from the platform that followed prop Cros burrowed over. Jaminet added the extras.
But that proved far from the end of the contest. Early in the second half came England’s turn to pile forward and they were given hope when winger Feddie Steward finished well out wide and Smith superbly added the conversion.
Suddenly, the atmosphere turned from joyous to tense and the away side were unable to capitalise on further territory before nerves were settled by Dupont. The No.9 took an inside pass from Grrgory Alldritt and sped under the posts (inset).
The French held firm, surviving some close range pressure when away replacement Alex Dombrandt was held up over the line.
And minutes later, it was Alldritt who hoofed the ball of the park to spark delirium in the Stade de France.
Afterwards, England captain Courtney Lawes said: “We’re certainly disappointed. We’ve got a lot to learn but I’m proud of the boys’ effort..”
The night belonged to France though. And as skipper Dupont lifted the trophy aloft, it seemed to represent a seismic moment in French rugby as they ramp up preparations for a home World Cup next year.