France Snatch Six Nations Glory in Thrilling Paris Showdown
France retained their Six Nations crown in dramatic fashion, edging out a resurgent England 48-46 in a breathtaking encounter at the Stade de France. A last-gasp penalty from Thomas Ramos sealed the victory, sparking jubilant celebrations for Les Bleus and denying England a remarkable upset.
A Try-Scoring Extravaganza
The match was a try-fest, with a total of 13 tries scored – seven for England and six for France. Louis Bielle-Biarrey emerged as the star of the show, crossing the whitewash four times, extending his impressive record to 29 tries in 27 Tests. He also continued his streak of scoring in 10 consecutive Six Nations matches.
England, however, proved they are a force to be reckoned with, delivering their best performance of the tournament. Ollie Chessum scored twice, while Tom Roebuck, Cadan Murley, Alex Coles, and Marcus Smith also added their names to the scoresheet. Tommy Freeman’s late try almost snatched victory for the visitors.
Ramos Remains Clutch
Despite England’s spirited performance, it was Ramos who ultimately held his nerve. His final penalty, kicked after the hooter, secured the win for France and ensured they retained the Six Nations title. This followed a penalty in the 2024-25 Champions Cup quarter finals to win 21-18 against Toulon.
England’s Resurgence – A Turning Point?
England’s display was a significant improvement from their recent struggles, particularly their historic defeat to Italy. They dominated the forward battle for periods of the game and showcased a newfound attacking flair. Captain Maro Itoje acknowledged the team’s spirit and expressed optimism for the future.
“We had a tough couple of games and tonight we are disappointed to lose but we showed the spirit of this team,” Itoje said.
Shaun Edwards on the Thrilling Contest
France defence coach Shaun Edwards described the match as “another crazy game, a great one for the fans,” highlighting the phenomenal state of rugby at present. The game was marred only by a colour clash caused by France wearing a light blue anniversary kit.
FAQ
Q: Who scored the most tries in the match?
A: Louis Bielle-Biarrey scored four tries for France.
Q: How many tries did England score?
A: England scored seven tries.
Q: What was the final score?
A: France 48 – 46 England.
Q: Who kicked the winning penalty?
A: Thomas Ramos kicked the winning penalty for France.
Q: How many Six Nations titles has France won?
A: This win represents a continued success for France in the Six Nations, building on their recent achievements.
Did you realize? Louis Bielle-Biarrey has now scored 29 tries in just 27 Tests for France.
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