France strutted to a first Grand Slam in 12 years as they ran in three tries to comfortably see off England in front of a jubilant Stade de France.
Tries from Gael Fickou and Francois Cros gave the hosts a healthy half-time lead and left England playing catch-up in the Six Nations finale.
England’s Freddie Steward, deployed on the wing, stepped and swooped to score after Joe Marchant’s break after the interval.
But it was a rare moment of danger from England, who were kept at arm’s length.
France captain Antoine Dupont darted under the sticks soon after and the hosts played out the final 10 minutes in comfort as their fans started the party.
La Marseillaise reverberated round the stands and tricolores fluttered from every seat as the final scrum was set with the clock in the red.
Gregory Alldritt’s kick to the stands moments later was the signal for his team to drop to their knees and savour a clean sweep that has been brewing for the last couple of campaigns.
England finish third in the Six Nations, but this contest revealed the chasm that separates them from the champions.
France were superior in every area. Stronger up front, more accurate in the backs, tighter in defence, more clinical in attack.
For England, defeat is a sobering reality check. There are still 18 months until the start of the Rugby World Cup, but to close the gap on France in that timeframe requires swift, steep improvement.
There was little sign of it at the Stade de France. A campaign that started with Eddie Jones’ side stifled by Scotland, ended with them overwhelmed in Paris, and there have been precious few positives in between.BBC
