Fans were left furious after a late refereeing decision helped France secure a dramatic Six Nations victory over England.
⭐ Save us to your Google Favourites for nonstop RUCK content!
With the game on the line, a penalty was awarded late on which France converted to seal the win and ultimately lift the title. However, the decision immediately sparked backlash from supporters online, many of whom felt the call was harsh or unclear.
One fan wrote: “I’m not sure in what world this can be called a high tackle! England and Ireland can feel hard done by, that’s a horrendous decision. French backers will be counting their lucky stripes tonight.”
The controversial moment quickly lit up social media, with supporters from across the rugby world weighing in on the decision.
Fans react to the late penalty decision
Some fans felt the referee got the call completely wrong.
“CORRUPT. Ref is a match fixer. Should be in jail.”
Others tried to explain the decision, suggesting the penalty may have come from an earlier offence spotted by the TMO.
Le Poney Flingant (@Branlix9000):
“Even if this high tackle isn’t called, right after the 16 does another high tackle. It was a penalty against England either way.”
Chase Carneson (@ChaseCarneson):
“It was an earlier infringement. He got the call from the TMO.”
Some viewers were simply confused about what the penalty had actually been awarded for.
Nick Harrington (@nickharrington):
“Who’s it even called against??”
Liedo7 (@BruceForter):
“Wtf is the penalty for.”
Others pointed out potential infringements earlier in the sequence.
Matthew Jackson (@oppatunist):
“Was the French player not offside? He was not part of the ruck but was standing between England and the player that picked?”
dafydd francis (@dafyddfrancis):
“Missed a head shot a few rucks before. The kick was taken from where MI slapped the ball down anyway.”
Some supporters were critical of the overall officiating during the game.
bree (@brit_annic):
“This should really be this guy’s last international game, there really is no excuse for the amount of errors he made in such a critical game.”
Helterskeletor6 (@helterskeletor6):
“Dipped to hip height before taking contact. Third world refereeing.”
Others suggested England should have expected a tough call late in such a tight match.
❌ I’m not sure in what world this can be called as a high tackle!
ENGLAND and IRELAND can feel hard done by, that’s a horrendous decision.
FRENCH backers will be counting their lucky stripes tonight.#FRAvENG pic.twitter.com/tFKDp5O1oY
— FitzBet (@FitzBet_) March 14, 2026
Stu Thresh (@stuartthresher):
“You absolutely cannot be in your own half away from home at the end of a tight game – the referee WILL do you. It happens with monotonous regularity.”
And some fans pointed to inconsistencies in advantage calls during the match.
Jason Gallagher (@JasonGa23846548):
“He plays advantage for France for about a minute, England advantage 30 secs. England lose ball, France go away and score… definitely something wrong.”
A dramatic finish
While debate continues over the controversial moment, France ultimately held their nerve to land the decisive kick and secure the Six Nations crown.
For England fans, however, the late penalty will remain a bitter talking point — and one that has once again ignited discussion around refereeing decisions in the biggest games in world rugby.
“Finished” – Six Players Who Flopped on Six Nations Super Saturday
While several players produced standout performances on the final weekend, others found it difficult to influence the outcome of their matches.
Here are six players who endured difficult afternoons in Round 5.
Join RUCK’s Instagram broadcast channel and get the latest rugby news straight to your phone.
#1. Finn Russell (Scotland)
Finn Russell, like much of the Scotland side, showed occasional flashes of quality but struggled to consistently shape the contest against Ireland.
With limited opportunities to attack the defensive line directly, Russell was often forced to rely on tactical kicking and distribution rather than his usual creative playmaking.
Although he did cross for a try, the Scotland fly-half was unable to exert the level of control typically associated with his performances.
#2. Elliot Daly (England)
Elliot Daly began the match brightly, delivering a sharp pass to Tom Roebuck that helped create England’s opening try.
However, defensive positioning became an issue later in the match. France were able to exploit space in behind England’s defensive line, including the kick through that led to Louis Bielle-Biarrey’s second try.
Daly also found himself caught between pressing forward and covering deep during France’s opening score.
In such a fast-paced contest, small defensive lapses proved costly.
POLL
#3. Lorenzo Pani (Italy)
It proved to be a challenging afternoon for Lorenzo Pani as Italy struggled to adapt to Wales’ tactical kicking approach.
The young Zebre back conceded two penalties and had difficulty dealing with the pressure created by Wales’ back-three combination.
Italy’s backfield defence was tested repeatedly, and Pani appeared uncertain at times when responding to Wales’ kicking game.
It was a learning experience for one of Italy’s emerging talents.
Like this:
Like Loading…