France complete Six Nations grand slam

Published: 10:38AM Sunday March 21, 2010 Source: Reuters

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A dogged France resisted a brave England challenge to do just enough to win a close, bruising encounter 12-10 and complete their first Six Nations grand slam since 2004 on Sunday.

The French forgot all about flair, wearing down their opponents in the scrums and mauls and relying on the accurate boot of halfback Morgan Parra on a rainy night on the outskirts of Paris.

England started in promising fashion, scoring the only try of the match when fullback Ben Foden finished off their best move of the tournament.

England kept pressing and got within two points with a superb penalty by substitute first-five Jonny Wilkinson, but France, with an early drop goal by first-five Francois Trinh-Duc and three Parra penalties in the first half did just enough.

Ireland's surprise home defeat by Scotland earlier in the day had already given France their first title 2007 and their Paris victory secured their ninth grand slam.

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