Flamboyant France seized control of Northern Hemisphere rugby yesterday when they ran in five tries in a record 44-5 Six Nations defeat of Ireland to clinch their first Grand Slam for four years.
After defeating world champions Australia and South Africa at the start of the European season, the French produced
a perfect mix of solid defence and attacking flair to complete a rugby renaissance 18 months before the World Cup.
England, who have dominated European rugby for the last three seasons without winning a Grand Slam, were left to finish the championship on an anti-climax, having lost their title before this morning's final game against Italy in Rome.
France finished their campaign with a maximum 10 points. England had six going into this morning's game. Ireland were also on six, two ahead of Scotland, who beat Wales 27-22 in Cardiff yesterday.
Wales, with just one victory this season, were a disappointing fifth ahead of Italy.
After reaching the final of the 1999 World Cup, France have struggled to combine their natural inclination to run the ball with the solid defence and discipline required in the modern game.
But coach Bernard Laporte could cry "eureka" after his team produced fast and crisp handling to score three first-half tries from flanker Serge Betsen, fullback Nicolas Brusque and wing Aurelien Rougerie for a 28-5 halftime lead.
Betsen and Brusque grabbed their second tries after the break on a sunny Parisian day which was perfect for running rugby.
"We are very happy to win with such a big success," said Laporte, who had previously complained about sloppy play and the "French disease" of inconsistency. "We can now say that the French team doesn't lose by giving away penalties.
"We are very happy because we have got very disciplined players. It has taken two seasons to get this change in the team. What I like about this team is that they know what they're doing and why."
First five-eighths Gerald Merceron kicked four penalties and two conversions to steer the French to their seventh Grand Slam in the 119-year history of the championship. Replacement Francois Gelez added another late penalty.
The winning margin of 39 points was France's biggest victory over Ireland, surpassing a 45-10 triumph in Paris in 1996.
The French became the first team to win a Grand Slam since the tournament was expanded to six teams with the addition of Italy in 2000. France's previous slams came in 1968, 1977, 1981, 1987, 1997 and 1998.
Ireland beat the French two years ago in Paris and triumphed last season in Dublin. But apart from a try from captain and hooker Keith Wood early in the first half, they were completely tamed by the French.
"France have managed to turn themselves round in the last couple of years," Wood said. "They've tidied up their discipline. They were pretty magnificent today. They played very well and we didn't play well. It's as simple as that."
Wales and Lions halfback Rob Howley finished his international career with a defeat in Cardiff decided by late penalties from Scotland's Brendan Laney and Duncan Hodge.
In a close game that matched last year's 28-28 draw for drama, Wales led 9-0 with three early Stephen Jones penalties, only for hooker Gordon Bulloch to burrow over for two tries to give the Scots a 15-9 halftime lead.
Wales hit back with a try by wing Rhys Williams and the lead changed several times before the late kicks. Laney slotted four penalties and a conversion for the Scots.
Steve Hansen, newly installed as Wales coach until 2004, learned what a huge task he faces to rescue the game in the principality.
A joke of a lineout and little invention in the backs gave the home fans nothing to cheer about.
Today's meeting to address the crisis in the Welsh club game cannot come soon enough.
Scotland were not much better, though their forwards were willing workers and Laney was a reliable kicker. They, too, face a huge task if they are not to be left behind by France, England and Ireland.
- REUTERS
Six Nations results and standings
Six Nations schedule
Flamboyant France seized control of Northern Hemisphere rugby yesterday when they ran in five tries in a record 44-5 Six Nations defeat of Ireland to clinch their first Grand Slam for four years.
After defeating world champions Australia and South Africa at the start of the European season, the French produced
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