England hold off stirring France fightback to clinch Women’s Six Nations title

England claimed a seventh successive Guinness Women’s Six Nations title but subjected Allianz Stadium to a white knuckle ride in a ragged 43-42 victory over France.

The Red Roses raced to a 31-7 lead inside half an hour with Emma Sing crossing twice, but their early conviction vanished as France woke up to the opportunity before them in this Grand Slam decider.

England’s early onslaught of tries had provided enough of a cushion to weather the fightback staged by the underdogs, who thrived off a sharp offloading game from their forwards and ingenuity in attack.

It completed a fourth consecutive Grand Slam and registered their 55th win in 56 Tests, but there were frailties on show across the park that will encourage their rivals ahead of the home World Cup in August and September.

CHAMPIONS ONCE AGAIN