England win Six Nations for first time in five years as France fall to Scotland at Murrayfield

England won the Six Nations for the first time in five years when France lost to Scotland 29-18 for the first time in 10 years on Sunday.

France had to win at Murrayfield to keep the championship alive going into the last round, when they host England next weekend. But all France can do now is hope to ruin England’s grand slam bid.

Scotland led 18-12 at the break, and only 21-18 when France looked like they were getting on top physically. That’s when full back Stuart Hogg thrilled the home fans with a brilliant piece of opportunism as he jumped up to meet a pass and flicked it over his head to left winger Tim Visser to score their third, nail-in-the-coffin try.

Scrum half Greig Laidlaw couldn’t convert, but slotted his third penalty for 29-18 to put the lacklustre French out of sight with five minutes left.

France midfielder Gael Fickou thought he had his second try moments later, but it was ruled out for a forward pass from replacement scrum half Sebastien Bezy.

“We’re delighted to finally get that win against France, it’s 10 years that we’ve been waiting for,” Hogg said. “Credit to France, they came over with a massive pack, but it comes down to taking your opportunities.”

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France hooker and captain Guilhem Guirado started and finished the opening try, as wingers Virimi Vakatawa and Wesley Fofana combined to work the ball to the right flank, where Guirado showed some decent running skills to power over.