The French won the Six Nations for the first time in 12 years by downing England but Italy’s victory over Wales with a last-gasp try stole the spotlight.
Mack Hansen kept up his eye-popping form with a superb solo try but France put one hand on the Six Nations trophy with victory over Ireland.
Mack Hansen needed only one home game to wow Irish fans - and Test selectors - according to the Aussie coach who brought him to Galway.
Brumbies coach Dan McKellar had hoped to get Mack Hansen back to the Brumbies after a short stint in Ireland. A spectacular Test debut changed all that.
A dramatic first day of the Six Nations saw Canberra winger Hansen was named man of the match in his first Test for Ireland and the Scots topple Eddie Jones’ men.
On the same day Rugby Australia celebrated Andrew Kellaway’s spectacular rookie year with the Wallabies,the selection of Mack Hansen for Ireland provided a sobering counterpoint.
France denied Wales a second Six Nations Grand Slam in three years with a dramatic try after the final hooter.
England came in for heavy criticism after their opening-round Six Nations defeat by Scotland and the 40-24 reverse against Wales which ended their title defence.
England coach Eddie Jones refused to comment but French whistleblower Pascal Gauzere was in the spotlight as debate raged about two debatable calls in Wales’ Six Nations win.
France were deserved winners but only after the hosts failed to turn their first-quarter dominance into more than three points and conceded the first try.
England posted their first win of the Six Nations over Italy - with a spectacular try - and a superb solo try also saw Wales beat Scotland.