France were crowned RBS 6 Nations champions for the fourth time in six years after a thrilling victory over Scotland in Paris, coupled with England failing to beat Wales.
France needed to win by 24 points to end the title hopes of Ireland and a try from Elvis Vermeulen at the death for Les Bleus secured the required victory margin.
Les Bleus were level on points with England and Ireland coming into the final round of matches this weekend.
They were looking to bounce back from their disappointing 26-18 reverse to the world champions at Twickenham last Sunday, and also gain revenge for their surprise defeat to the Scots at Murrayfield last year.
They made four changes, arguably the most crucial being the selection of Lionel Beauxis – making his first start for France – at fly-half in place of the injured David Skrela.
Head coach Bernard Laporte was taking charge of Les Bleus in an RBS 6 Nations match for the final time.
Scotland went 7-0 ahead when recalled winger Nikki Walker beat Clement Poitrenaud to a steepling Dan Parks up-and-under and grounded in the left corner. Chris Paterson kicked the extras.
Beauxis pushed an early penalty wide but on his next attempt he narrowed the lead Scotland held, and then France moved ahead when Imanol Harinordoquy bulldozed over from close range – Beauxis converting.
Pierre Mignoni created a thrilling try for Yannick Jauzion, which Beauxis converted before kicking a simple penalty from under the sticks.
Sean Lamont hit back from Scotland just before the break, with Paterson adding the conversion to make the score 20-14.
France had to go on the offensive and extended their lead in the 53rd minute.
David Marty was sent over in the other corner, despite initially fumbling the ball, and Beauxis converted nonchalantly from the touchline to make it 27-14.
Cedric Heymans added an unconverted score in the left corner.
Sean Lamont was sin-binned and France stretched their lead when Olivier Milloud crossed for his first international try.
That gave the French a 25-point lead, but Irish hopes were revived when prop Euan Murray stormed over. To French relief, the conversion rebounded to safety off the woodwork.
And with time running out Vermeulen barged over from close range – the video referee confirming the score – and Beauxis kicked the extras as the Stade de France celebrated.
