Rugby story by Brian Watters, Sun, 19 Mar 2006 12:40:01 GMT


LONDON - France clinched their 15th Six Nations title after a 21-16 victory over defending champions Wales on Saturday. France was tied with Ireland who beat world champions England 28-24, But France won on account of their points difference, which was 148-85 as compared with Ireland's 131-97.

The win has led French team manager Jo Maso to believe that they could also lift next year's World Cup. "We have won 13 of the last 15 matches over three years in the Six Nations. We are undefeated in France in seven matches since November," he said.

"We have also got the record number of points since 2000 in the Six Nations. This team is going to go a long way." France only lost to Wales in this year's Six Nations and that loss came in the opening rounds. Team coach Bernard Laporte, who was subjected to fierce criticism in the aftermath of that loss is a delighted man, "We are not yet world champions but we are proud of these players," he said.

"We weren't brilliant around the rucks and breakdowns, but we must congratulate him. He had a very good match today." Laporte added that France had missed some easy high balls at the start, but the team stayed together, "No-one jumped ship and we all stayed together and we have to congratulate the squad and our captain Fabien Pelous for leading them," he commented.

Captain Fabien Pelous was equally happy with his team's performance and said the title triumph exceeded his expectations, "At the beginning of the tournament we didn't think we would win the trophy but we worked a lot and now we can take the trophy to France," he said. "For that I am very proud of my players."

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