So, both teams finish up on eight points in the table, but France's far superior points difference of 78 to England's 47 means they have secured their fifth ever Six Nations title.

Incidentally, this is only the third time in the 21 years of the competition that the champions have not completed a Grand Slam.

From England's point of view, they can be proud of their fight tonight.

But is it an omen ahead of the men's tilt at the Grand Slam in Paris tomorrow? Gulp.

Sleep well, and join us tomorrow for some cracking coverage of the Six Nations climax.

There are tears in the eyes of the England women too, but for very different reasons.

Sarah Hunter is marching around her troops, lifting them off the floor. England were just outgunned by a beastly French pack.

Just complete and utter confusion at the end there.

England thought they had enough time to kick to the corner. They were told they didn't.

The French women have tears of joy - their inspirational skipper Gaelle Mignot is an emotional wreck. She was tremendous tonight.

Her side have won the title on points difference.

France win the turnover and boot it into the stand!

Lauren Cattell spins past one tackle and then wins a penalty.

There's confusion as the referee says time is up, despite the TV clock saying there is two minutes remaining.

So they take a quick tap...

But the ball is in English hands. Three minutes to save the Grand Slam...

French skipper Gaelle Mignot is a beast. She looks like she has cramp and is heading to the bench, but changes her mind and instead decides to throw a line-out.

So frustrating for England. They go through the phases and look confident, but with Vickii Cornborough going into the tackle, the referee says England players were going in off their feet.

France, for all their power, have been awful at the breakdown. They concede a scrum in their own 22 and England get another lifeline.

The line-out comes down to Amy Cokayne but she's bundled into touch. Chance gone.

Credit to England. They're getting battered up front but win a handy penalty on the French 22.

England need composure. They need to regroup. They need some monster forwards.

It's relentless from France at the moment.

England make it easy with a kick straight into French hands and Elodie Poublan's offload has Camile Cabalou tearing down the right.

Pauline Bourdon chases her own grubber but France will take a line-out.

Huge moment. France make a mess of the scrum and despite having it at their feet, kick it straight into English hands. Pressure released.

These sides are like heavyweight boxers in the 12th round now. Just pummelling blows on to each other.

France almost go over from a catch and drive but England cling on. French scrum now.

Image source, AFP

France concede a penalty on halfway and Amber Reed can kick to the corner to give England some breathing room.

England are at risk of being blown away here - the French pack is looking monstrous. This is a key 10 minutes.