RUGBY WRAP: France secure Grand Slam, Italy finally win and more!

Galthie’s France become immortal

France beat England 25-13 at the Stade de France on Saturday to record their first Six Nations and Grand Slam title since 2010. In truth, the English never looked like beating their hosts as France totally outclassed Eddie Jones’ men, thanks again largely to their exceptional exit game and good decision-making.

Led by Antoine Dupont in the absence of regular skipper Charles Ollivon, Les Bleu were outstanding throughout their campaign and deservedly rose to second spot on the World Rugby rankings after the win, leapfrogging New Zealand. Fabian Galthie’s charges are truly a footy force to be reckoned with and will now be heavily favoured to challenge the likes of the Springboks for the World Cup in their homeland next year.

While the Rugby Football Union have given Jones their full backing after the defeat, the public pressure on the Australian isn’t likely to let up any time soon.

Italy end their Championship drought; Ireland claim Triple Crown

In one of the great Six Nations Tests, Italy claimed a dramatic 22-21 win over Wales in Cardiff on Saturday to record their first win in the competition since 2015 and break a 36-game losing streak. On a day in which the hosts sought to celebrate the achievements of Dan Biggar (100th Welsh Test) and Alun Wyn Jones (150th Welsh Test), Edoardo Padovani’s late-try — set up magically by Ange Capuozzo — and Paolo Garbisi’s conversion after the hooter spoiled the party.

Elsewhere, Ireland sealed second-place on the standings after their 26-5 defeat of Scotland at the Aviva later in the day. The men in green were a cut above their Scottish rivals and finish their campaign with a first Triple Crown since 2018.

More URC wins for SA franchises

There were again wins for all four of SA’s United Rugby Championship franchises this weekend as the local outfits continue to make the most of their home ground advantage. Friday saw the Bulls run riot in Pretoria, klapping Scarlets 57-12. On Saturday, the Lions picked up their fourth win after upsetting Munster 23-21 in Johannesburg, before the Sharks thrashed Zebre 38-6 in Durban. The Stormers made light work of Cardiff, winning 40-3 in the Cape on Sunday.

The results mean the Sharks (sixth), Stormers (seventh), and Bulls (eighth) are all still in with a great shot at making the quarterfinals in their debut campaigns.