France vs England LIVE: Six Nations rugby result, final score and reaction as France seal Grand Slam
France 25-13 England: Follow live as France seal a Grand Slam and a first Six Nations title since 2010 in Paris
Follow live coverage as France beat England 25-13 in the finale of the Six Nations in Paris to win the Grand Slam and lift the championship trophy for the first time in 12 years.
Fabien Galthie’s side made history as they claimed a Grand Slam and a first championship title since 2010. Victory over England achieved both those goals but the pressure was on, as any other result would have seen Ireland snatch the title after they beat Scotland earlier in the day.
Tries from Gael Fickou, Francois Cros and Antoine Dupont secured the title for Les Bleus in front of a raucous crowd at the Stade de France.
Follow all the latest reaction from the Stade de France:
What a roar!
Out come the players, and the Stade de France rises to greet them. It’s loud.
Here we go
This is it - France seeking Le Grand Chelem, England Six Nations salvation. The Stade de France is ready to explode as the lights dim and the players ready themselves in the tunnel.
Le Crunch
France determined to crown resurgence against wounded England
Fabien Galthie’s side can secure their first grand slam and Six Nations title in 12 years in front of an expectant Stade de France
Kick-off nears
Boos and whistles as Eddie Jones’ name is read out by the stadium announcer ahead of kick-off. The England head coach is not popular in these parts.
The England team are also booed off as they traipse down the tunnel.
Another French success in a post-Lions year?
France have history of winning the Grand Slam the spring after a Lions tour - can they do it again?
France vs England
They know how to drum up the crowd at the Stade de France. I feel for the shoulders of anyone holding one of the France Rugby branded tricolores - they’ve barely stopped waving, and the chants of “Allez Les Bleus” are becoming more and more regular as anticipation builds.
The battle at the lineout
The other aerial aspect to touch upon is the lineout. Wales managed to disrupt so much French ball in Cardiff, recognising the reliance on Cameron Woki, who is still finding his way as an international lineout caller. England have loaded up on jumpers, with Nick Isiekwe recalled to join Maro Itoje at lock, and Courtney Lawes back at six after a sojourn in his old second row stomping ground a week ago.
Itoje has had an outstanding tournament, with Eddie Jones predicting that he is Everesting again and preparing to ascend to another level. You’d think if England are to pull off what would be a shock win, Itoje will have to be at the heart of it.
Maro Itoje sends rallying cry to England ahead of France test
Eddie Jones’ men are seeking to avoid finishing in the bottom half of the table when they take on Grand Slam-chasing France
We’ve focussed on the kicking battle a lot, but it really will be key. So much of what this outstanding French side does is predicated on their strength in that regard - and England will have to get things right...
The atmosphere
The Stade de France isn’t even close to full yet but already it is bouncing to the rhythms of the in-house DJ, French flags waving right around. This could be a special atmosphere if France dance to Le Grand Chelem - but could the nervous energy play a role if England begin strongly?
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