Ireland, who had kept their title hopes alive with a win over Scotland earlier in the day, could only watch as Ramos’s kick handed the championship to the French.

England came into the game after sluggish losses against Scotland, Ireland, and Italy, but seemed rejuvenated for this match, which they eventually lost by 48-46, having led by 27-24 at halftime. 

France drew first blood, thanks to two tries in the opening 12 minutes by French speedster Louis Bielle-Biarrey. England’s Tom Roebuck scored between those tries, but Fin Smith missed the conversion.

Yellow card

It was all England for the next 20 minutes as Cadan Murley, Ollie Chessum, and Alex Coles trundled over the line. But a yellow card for Ellis Genge, for dragging down the French maul, just before halftime, gave France the opportunity they needed to hit back.

Bielle-Biarrey completed his hat-trick 90 seconds after the restart, before France’s pack won a penalty at the first scrum. Theo Attisogbe also crossed the whitewash, and France went 38-27 clear.

Six Nations champions France. Photo: X/France Rugby

However, England was not prepared to lie down and tries by Chessum and Marcus Smith put England back in the lead at 39-38 with 25 minutes left.

Bielle-Biarrey added his fourth try of the match and ninth of the championship, but a yellow card for France’s Demba Bamba added more drama to the match.

Tommy Freeman’s try in the 77th minute stunned the Stade de France into silence. With two minutes left, Chessum claimed the restart and Jack van Poortvliet kicked long, but a high tackle on Matthieu Jalibert allowed Ramos to take glory with a final penalty. 

OFM Sport/Ilse Smalberger dg