France run in five tries to beat Wales and take Six Nations to the wire

• France 41-28 Wales
• France finish second after Ireland complete grand slam

If championships were awarded for artistic merit, this ought to have been enough to secure France a consecutive title. They blew Wales away when it mattered, which was either side of half-time, but they will bemoan the four tries their visitors came away with, three of them scored when it did not really matter, long after the result had been secured.

For all that the bonus point took France temporarily clear of Ireland at the top of the table, no one in Paris seriously thought their best efforts would be enough. France and Ireland are so far ahead of the rest that it feels as if whichever holds home advantage for their fixture will likely secure the title. This year it was Ireland’s turn.