Legend BOD bows out with the title

BRIAN O’DRISCOLL brought the curtain down on his incredible international career by caiming the Six Nations title in Paris.

Johnny Sexton’s two tries helped complete the fairytale for “BOD” ( above), who played his 141st and final Test in the green shirt.

Ireland had to withstand a late French onslaught to claim their first title since 2009 and a first win in Paris since 2000, with Andrew Trimble also scoring.

Maxime Machenaud put France ahead with an early penalty before Mathieu Bastareaud’s forward pass wrecked a chance of a try.

Machenaud doubled the lead with his second successful kick, but Ireland hit back when Chris Henry’s offload offered Sexton a gap he raced through to score.

Ireland quickly doubled their try count when Conor Murray sent Trimble in under the sticks.

But it was France who led at half- time after Remi Tales chipped to the wing, Yoann Huget tapped down and Brice Dulin produced a good finish.

Machenaud’s expert touchline conversion made it 13- 12 to Les Bleus. Sexton settled the Irish nerves when Murray sent him clear to score his second try. He kicked the extras and added a penalty to move Ireland nine points clear.

France battered the green wall time and again before they finally broke through, hooker Dimitri Szarzewski getting over the line.

Referee Steve Walsh awarded the try, but replays suggested Szarzewski had fumbled the ball.

Machenaud landed the conversion to cut Ireland’s lead to just two points.

Sexton was kncoked out cold by Bastareud and stretchered off.

But it was O’Driscoll’s stage and Ireland held out to give him the send- off he deserved.