France could have snatched the Six Nations title in the final match but only once – and then briefly – did they look likely to
Paris in the springtime became like a rainy March day in Cardiff. They were perfect conditions for Wales and as Scotland played to them, kicking and harrying, France set out for the four tries and 21-point winning margin they needed to clinch the title, watching it slip from their grasp like the ball they struggled to hold on to.
England’s defence of their title ended in Cardiff when a French referee awarded Wales two disputed tries and France found themselves 10-3 down after 14 minutes when an English official, Wayne Barnes, awarded Duhan van der Merwe a try after a long rolling maul, although the wing needed to make a double movement before grounding the ball on the line.
Related: Wales crowned Six Nations champions as France lose at the death to Scotland
Related: France 23-27 Scotland: Six Nations finale – as it happened
Continue reading...