| Guinness Six Nations: France v England |
|---|
| France: (16) 33 |
| Tries: Le Garrec, Barre, Fickou Pen: Ramos 4 Con: Ramos 3 |
| England: (10) 31 |
| Tries: Lawrence 2, Smith, Freeman Pen: Ford Con: Ford 3 |
Thomas Ramos kicked the winning penalty from the halfway line as France edged England in a seven-try thriller to finish second in the 2024 Six Nations.
After Ireland’s title win in Dublin, the hosts led 16-3 in Lyon before Ollie Lawrence scored either side of the break to hand England the advantage.
Marcus Smith stretched their lead but Leo Barre and Gael Fickou hit back.
George Ford converted Tommy Freeman’s late try as momentum swung England’s way again but Ramos had the final say.
Both sides had their title ambitions dashed before kick-off after Ireland retained their crown with victory over Scotland, but the tournament finale proved to be one of the most entertaining games.
France’s victory was their first at home since exiting the World Cup quarter-finals with defeat by South Africa in Paris last year.
England finished third to claim their best Six Nations return since Steve Borthwick took charge as head coach.
More to follow.
Line-ups
France: Barre; Penaud, Fickou, Depoortere, Bielle-Biarrey; Ramos, Le Garrec; Baille, Marchand, Atonio, Flament, Meafou, Cros, Ollivon, Alldritt (capt).
Replacements: Mauvaka, S Taofifenua, Colombe, R Taofifenua, Roumat, Boudehent, Lucu, Moefana.
England: Furbank; Freeman, Slade, Lawrence, Daly; Ford, Mitchell; Genge, George (capt), Cole, Itoje, Martin, Chessum, Underhill, Earl.
Replacements: Dan, Marler, Stuart, Roots, Dombrandt, Care, M Smith, Tuilagi.
Match officials
Referee: Angus Gardner (Australia)
Touch judges: Nika Amashukeli (Georgia) & Damian Schneider (Uruguay)
TMO: Ben Whitehouse (Wales)
