France turn it on as Ireland crumble

France finished their Six Nations campaign on a high with a 35-27 home win over Ireland in the final match of the tournament and secure second place for 2020.

Heading into the encounter three teams (England, Ireland and France) still had a shot to lift the trophy. Ireland missed an early long range shot at goal, with France striking shortly after with the games first try to lead 7-0. France then picked up a yellow card 10 minutes in, with Ireland crossing for their first score around the midpoint of the first half to level matters at 7-7.

An Irish penalty put the visitors in front, but France were then awarded a penalty try around the half hour mark to lead 14-10, with Ireland picking up a yellow card in the process. Despite their numerical disadvantage, Ireland made it a one point ball game with a penalty, but that was cancelled out by a French kick at goal as the hosts took a 17-13 lead into halftime. France got off to a flier in the second half, with a try just three minutes in to extend their lead out to 22-13.

France had the ascendency and kept the scoreboard ticking over with two penalties to push the margin out to 28-13 after 52 minutes of play. Ireland were desperate for a response and hit back with a try on the hour mark to reduce the deficit to eight points at 28-20. With ten minutes remaining the French all but put the game to bed with their fourth try making it 35-20 and restoring their 15 point advantage.

The Irish would cross for a consolation score with the final play of the game. France won the battle over the Irish, but it was England who won the war as they were crowned Six Nations Champions ahead of France on points difference.

The footwork from Gael Fickou 🕺🔥#GuinnessSixNations #FRAvIRE pic.twitter.com/tFnN7jS2hg

— Ultimate Rugby (@ultimaterugby) October 31, 2020