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:
H/T: Wales 7-12 Italy
That is precisely the sort of performance that has been coming from Italy all tournament. They have been on it from the word go, kicking and chasing superbly, defending accurately and causing Wales real problems. They have taken the points when they have been on offer and are very much deserving to be in what should probably be a larger half-time lead.
A pair of penalties for both Paolo Garbisi and Edoardo Padovani and produce a second 40 of that sort of quality and a first Six Nations win since 2015 could just be on the cards.
Wales 7-12 Italy, 44 minutes
A last chance for Italy with the penalty, which is pushed into the corner - which seems a strange call given how well the scrum had just performed.
The maul initially makes progress but then runs out of steam, and Wales will be mighty relieved to end the half only five points down.
No try! Wales 7-12 Italy, 42 minutes
This is a tough decision. Monty Ioane’s aerial challenge needs looking at first. Has he pulled down Johnny McNicholl in the air?
Yes is the decision of TMO Joy Neville and referee Andrew Brace, so we don’t need a closer examination of which hand it was that grounded a loose ball. I think Owen Watkin might just have got to it first after Louis Rees-Zammit had tapped the ball backwards to prevent Ange Capuozzo scoring - but there were also Italian hands nearby.
Try? There’s a load to look at but this might be an Italian score!
They draw penalty advantage at the scrum and a Paolo Garbisi cross-kick causes chaos. Is it an Italian hand that has got it down?
Wales 7-12 Italy, 38 minutes
What a break from Monty Ioane! The wing scythes right through the centre of the Welsh kick chase after an aimless clearance from Johnny McNicholl.
Space on the right, and Italy go to within a metre or two...but they are forced into touch! There’s a Welsh knock-on beforehand, but that’s a shame.
Some clever blocking lines to spring Ioane become more apparent on the replay, but this has been a brilliant half from Italy.
Wales 7-12 Italy, 37 minutes
Italy’s tackling has been outstanding so far, chopping at the calves and ankles to allow teammates the chance to attack the ball at the breakdown. Michele Lamaro stands up Louis Rees-Zammit and then Adam Beard is caught charging too high into contact, the ball popping free. Ignacio Brex’s punt is nice, and Italy gain significant territory.
Wales 7-12 Italy, 35 minutes
There seems to be a bit of confusion in the Welsh ranks. They nearly contrive to lose a lineout with the backs seemingly not ready for the ball.
The attacking phase play is probably slightly too lateral, and Italy handle it well. Dan Biggar makes a smart choice and executes his diagonal grubber nicely. Italy lineout throw inside their own 22.
PENALTY! Wales 7-12 ITALY (Edoardo Padovani penalty, 34 minutes)
This is another long-range one, and tougher than the last from a significant angle on the right, but Edoardo Padovani appears locked in. Another fine kick.
Wales 7-9 Italy, 33 minutes
In terms of performing the basics at a high level, this has been an excellent half-hour from Italy. Another well-directed kick combines with an organised chase, and Giacomo Nicotera capitalises on another isolated Welsh carrier to draw another holding on penalty.
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