Fans were left furious after a late refereeing decision helped France secure a dramatic Six Nations victory over England.<\/p>\n
\u2b50 Save us to your Google Favourites <\/a>for nonstop RUCK content!<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n One fan wrote:\u00a0\u201cI\u2019m not sure in what world this can be called a high tackle! England and Ireland can feel hard done by, that\u2019s a horrendous decision. French backers will be counting their lucky stripes tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n The controversial moment quickly lit up social media, with supporters from across the rugby world weighing in on the decision.<\/p>\n Fans react to the late penalty decision<\/p>\n Some fans felt the referee got the call completely wrong.<\/p>\n \u201cCORRUPT. Ref is a match fixer. Should be in jail.\u201d<\/p>\n Others tried to explain the decision, suggesting the penalty may have come from an earlier offence spotted by the TMO.<\/p>\n Le Poney Flingant (@Branlix9000): Chase Carneson (@ChaseCarneson): Some viewers were simply confused about what the penalty had actually been awarded for.<\/p>\n Nick Harrington (@nickharrington): Liedo7 (@BruceForter): Others pointed out potential infringements earlier in the sequence.<\/p>\n Matthew Jackson (@oppatunist): dafydd francis (@dafyddfrancis): Some supporters were critical of the overall officiating during the game.<\/p>\n bree (@brit_annic): Helterskeletor6 (@helterskeletor6): Others suggested England should have expected a tough call late in such a tight match.<\/p>\n \u274c I\u2019m not sure in what world this can be called as a high tackle!<\/p>\n ENGLAND and IRELAND can feel hard done by, that\u2019s a horrendous decision.<\/p>\n FRENCH backers will be counting their lucky stripes tonight.#FRAvENG<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/tFKDp5O1oY<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 FitzBet (@FitzBet_) March 14, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Stu Thresh (@stuartthresher): And some fans pointed to inconsistencies in advantage calls during the match.<\/p>\n Jason Gallagher (@JasonGa23846548): A dramatic finish<\/p>\n While debate continues over the controversial moment, France ultimately held their nerve to land the decisive kick and secure the Six Nations crown.<\/p>\n For England fans, however, the late penalty will remain a bitter talking point \u2014 and one that has once again ignited discussion around refereeing decisions in the biggest games in world rugby.<\/p>\n \u201cFinished\u201d \u2013 Six Players Who Flopped on Six Nations Super Saturday<\/p>\n While several players produced standout performances on the final weekend, others found it difficult to influence the outcome of their matches.<\/p>\n Here are six players who endured difficult afternoons in Round 5.<\/p>\n Join RUCK\u2019s Instagram broadcast channel <\/a>and get the latest rugby news straight to your phone. <\/p>\n #1. Finn Russell (Scotland)<\/p>\n Finn Russell, like much of the Scotland side, showed occasional flashes of quality but struggled to consistently shape the contest against Ireland.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Although he did cross for a try, the Scotland fly-half was unable to exert the level of control typically associated with his performances.<\/p>\n #2. Elliot Daly (England)<\/p>\n Elliot Daly began the match brightly, delivering a sharp pass to Tom Roebuck that helped create England\u2019s opening try.<\/p>\n However, defensive positioning became an issue later in the match. France were able to exploit space in behind England\u2019s defensive line, including the kick through that led to Louis Bielle-Biarrey\u2019s second try.<\/p>\n Daly also found himself caught between pressing forward and covering deep during France\u2019s opening score.<\/p>\n In such a fast-paced contest, small defensive lapses proved costly.<\/p>\n POLL<\/p>\n #3. Lorenzo Pani (Italy) <\/p>\n It proved to be a challenging afternoon for Lorenzo Pani as Italy struggled to adapt to Wales\u2019 tactical kicking approach.<\/p>\n The young Zebre back conceded two penalties and had difficulty dealing with the pressure created by Wales\u2019 back-three combination.<\/p>\n Italy\u2019s backfield defence was tested repeatedly, and Pani appeared uncertain at times when responding to Wales\u2019 kicking game.<\/p>\n It was a learning experience for one of Italy\u2019s emerging talents.<\/p>\n CONTINUES ON PAGE TWO<\/a><\/p>\n Like this:<\/p>\n Like Loading…<\/p>\n
\u201cEven if this high tackle isn\u2019t called, right after the 16 does another high tackle. It was a penalty against England either way.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was an earlier infringement. He got the call from the TMO.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWho\u2019s it even called against??\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWtf is the penalty for.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWas the French player not offside? He was not part of the ruck but was standing between England and the player that picked?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMissed a head shot a few rucks before. The kick was taken from where MI slapped the ball down anyway.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThis should really be this guy\u2019s last international game, there really is no excuse for the amount of errors he made in such a critical game.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDipped to hip height before taking contact. Third world refereeing.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou absolutely cannot be in your own half away from home at the end of a tight game \u2013 the referee WILL do you. It happens with monotonous regularity.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHe plays advantage for France for about a minute, England advantage 30 secs. England lose ball, France go away and score\u2026 definitely something wrong.\u201d<\/p>\n