France may not have won the title but, once again, they possessed the best player in the tournament. Antoine Dupont was so good against England it was almost laughable: sharp, clever, strong, able to kick off both feet … if he looked slightly weary at the start of the championship, he was back to his best by the end of it.
Damian Penaud, Jonathan Danty, Hugo Keenan and Caelan Doris also deserve honourable mentions. Ireland 32-19 France.
Not just the game of this championship but the best, quality-wise, in many years. The only shame was that it was not a final-weekend title decider.
Will there be a compelling sequel at the World Cup this year? Plenty to choose from, not least Penaud’s final try in the Twickenham rout against England and James Lowe’s flying finish (allegedly) in the corner against France.