Brian O’Driscoll got the perfect send-off when Ireland won the Six Nations championship with a 22-20 victory against France, their first in Paris since the superstar centre made his championship debut in 2000.

Ireland, who clinched only their second title since 1985, controlled most of the game, once again exposing France’s paper-thin defence as Les Bleus finished the tournament in fourth place.

Flyhalf Jonathan Sexton scored two tries and kicked seven points as wing Andrew Trimble also touched down, while France’s points came from Brice Dulin and Dimitri Szarzewski’s tries and Maxime Machenaud’s boot.

As the finish line beckoned, however, Ireland stopped playing and almost paid a fatal price when France scored a minute from time – only to have the try ruled out for forward pass.

They survived the last minute to leave England second, on eight points but behind on points difference after thrashing Italy 52-11 away earlier in the afternoon.

Outgoing champions Wales finished third on six points following their record 51-3 demolition of 14-man Scotland.

“Je suis tres content,” O’Driscoll said in French in a pitchside interview.

“It’s a wonderful feeling. I’ve played a long time for Ireland and to only have won one Six Nations championship would have been disappointing so I’m really delighted for this group of players, for how talented they are, how hard they worked and to have won against a very good French team.

“This is fantastic... it’s exactly as we would have wanted, to have a second Six Nations medal around my neck. I’m loving it.

“It’s just a magnificent feeling. I’m sure there be a few tears later on and there were a few tears earlier when coach Joe (Schmidt) gave his last team talk. It was quite emotional.

“I promise you it’s the last time in a green jersey. I’m absolutely overwhelmed. Huge emotions now, the last time I take this jersey off and hang it up inside, that’ll be the end. Unless I decide to put one on at home when no one is watching.”

There were 78,876 to attend O’Driscoll’s farewell to international rugby after 141 appearances for Ireland and the British and Irish Lions and although he did not add to his record 26 championship tries, the centre was his usual battling self.

While England can be pleased with their campaign, France have much to work on.

After a promising start with wins against Italy and England, they went off the rails in Cardiff when they were humbled 27-6 by Wales and never really recovered despite last weekend’s fortunate 19-17 win in Scotland.

Final standings
Ireland (4-0-1) 8; England (4-0-1) 8; Wales (3-0-2) 6; France (3-0-2) 6; Scotland (1-0-4) 2; Italy (0-0-5) 0.

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