France player ratings: France sealed the Guinness Six Nations title with a 35-16 victory over Scotland at the Stade de France, but it was not a match that went their way throughout.
It was the French who caught the eye in round one with six of their eight teams winning, including Stade Rochelais and Toulon away from home.
There were outstanding individual performances over seven weeks and 48 matches but some players put in Herculean shifts
England will not have to look far to discover their extra motivational edge for their RWC semi-final against South Africa.
In the wake of some unfortunate injuries to key players, France coach Fabien Galthie has named a near full-strength side to take on the All Blacks in Friday night’s Rugby World Cup opener.
With the August 28 deadline now passed for the final submission by all 20 teams of their 33-strong squads travelling to France, the names of the 660 players who will be involved at Rugby World Cup 2023 have been confirmed.
The 34-year-old back row warrior has shown tenacity to overcome a host of significant injuries.
Northampton Saints tighthead prop Paul Hill struggled with the early promotion to the England squad but the No 3 is now older and wiser
Worcester Warriors have boosted their backline options with the loan signing of out-half Dorian Jones.
The Southern Kings scored six tries against Dragons to claim their first Pro14 victory at the 17th time of asking.