sport news Six Nations verdict: Damian Penaud's try took our breath away and Italy gave us ... trends now
Ireland claimed a historic Six Nations victory on Saturday, rounding off the tournament with a resounding 29-16 win against England to be crowned Grand Slam champions.
It's been an epic campaign for Andy Farrell's side, who failed to go behind by more than six points in any game during the campaign, showing that they are the team to beat heading into the 2023 Rugby World Cup in just under six months time.
While Ireland were celebrating, England meanwhile, finished failed to live up to expectations, finishing fourth in the table, behind France and Scotland who both proved their strength with the ball in hand throughout the tournament.
Wales meanwhile sunk to fifth in the standings on Warren Gatland's returned to the Welsh camp, while Italy finished bottom of the table, failing to win a game.
SportsMail's Rugby Union correspondent Chris Foy gives his verdict on an enthralling Six Nations campaign.
Ireland have claimed the 2023 Six Nations championship and Grand Slam after win vs England
Johnny Sexton (left) became the highest ever points scorer in the tournament's history
Best match
Ireland v France. The meeting between the top two was a pulsating classic, but France v Scotland came a close second as the visitors fought back from 19-0 down, with Finn Russell in his element in Paris.
Worst match
England v France. What happened at Twickenham is still a mystery. It was an insipid surrender by England and, Steve Borthwick will hope, a shocking anomaly.
Top try
There were so many in a high-class campaign. Many were beautifully choreographed, especially by Ireland. But Damian Penaud’s strike against the Irish was a personal favourite, a long-range expression of instinctive French brilliance.
Loudest ovation
Ireland supporters made an astonishing noise in tribute to Johnny Sexton when he limped off with a groin injury on Saturday evening, after becoming the country’s highest points-scorer in Six Nations history.
Peak trolling
FINN Russell chasing Owen Farrell at Twickenham to laugh at his opposite number as Duhan van der Merwe surged through England’s defence to score a solo try for Scotland.
