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Six Nations | Group Stage
Mar 15, 2014 at 5pm UK
 
France
20-22
Ireland
Dulin (30'), Szarzewski (63')
FT
Sexton (20', 46'), Trimble (26')

Ireland beat France to clinch Six Nations

Ireland are the Six Nations champions following a 22-20 win over France in Paris.

Ireland have defeated France 22-20 in Paris to clinch the 2014 Six Nations title.

Brian O'Driscoll and captain Paul O'Connell of Ireland celebrate with their team-mates as they lift the trophy after winning the six nations championship with a 22-20 victory over France during the RBS Six Nations match between France and Ireland at Stade© Getty Images

Maxime Machenaud kicked France to an early lead with two penalties at the start of the match, but Jonny Sexton kept the visitors in touch with a try.

However, the fly-half was unable to convert his own effort, before missing a penalty at the end of the opening 40 minutes which would have given Ireland the advantage at the break.

Ireland's Jonny Sexton scores the first try against France during the Six Nations match on March 15, 2014© Getty Images

Sexton made amends to put the visitors ahead early in the second half when he scored his second try of the game, and this time he was able to add the extra two points.

Ireland looked to have a comfortable lead heading into the final 20 minutes, but a strong spell from the French team resulted in a try for Dimitri Szarzewski, leaving the hosts just two points down.

France had a chance to move back in front heading into the last 10 minutes after winning a penalty in the scrum, but Jean-Marc Doussain's kick failed to find the posts.

The hosts thought that they had scored a try inside the final two minutes, but replays showed that there was a forward pass in the build-up.

The match was the final of Brian O'Driscoll's career, as he is retiring at the end of the season.

Ireland last won the title in 2009.

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Scotland's Tommy Seymour scores the second try against France during their Six Nations International rugby union match on March 8, 2014
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