Here is Serge Betsen’s favourite #TopMoment of the Championship posted by the fans of the RBS 6 Nations.
Congratulations to Donna Malone who posted the best #TopMoment of the 2016 Championship.
Capped by France 63-times, Betsen won the RBS 6 Nations on four occasions during his illustrious playing career.
And here he hand picks his three stand-out moments from a classic Championship that had it all: First up there is the dramatic draw on the opening weekend between Wales and Ireland in the Aviva Stadium.
Having raced into an early lead, the men in green were slowly pegged back by Warren Gatland’s side and it took a late penalty from Jonathan Sexton to rescue a share of the spoils.
But while Ireland could take solace from claiming a draw – for Betsen this was the moment that their RBS 6 Nations hat-trick hopes were at an end.
Jonathan Sexton slots a late penalty to earn Ireland a draw against Wales in Round One
“Both sides showed real ambition in this game, the intensity was amazing – it was possibly the best game of the tournament,” he said.
“Draws are very rare in the RBS 6 Nations and it probably cost Ireland the tournament even though they managed to get the draw.
“By not winning that game they lost momentum and it was almost over from that moment.” Betsen’s second #TopMoment comes from Cardiff on a Friday night as France slipped to defeat against Wales in round three.
But despite the reversal, France’s fifth in a row to Warren Gatland’s men – Betsen saw the greenshoots of recovery for Guy Noves’ team at Principality Stadium.
Guilhem Guirado leads by example as France mount a late fightback in Wales in Round Three
“I was very impressed with the way the French team fought until the very end of that match against Wales,” he said.
“It was then that I was convinced that Guy Noves has got the French team on the right track.
“Guilhem Guirado’s late try might not have won the game for France but it showed the spirit is strong and they will keep fighting together.
“Guilhem also scored a try against Scotland and he was fantastic during the Championship, leading by example and hopefully the future is bright.”
Betsen’s third and final #TopMoment comes from Paris on Super Saturday as Eddie Jones’ England claimed the Grand Slam at the Stade de France.
It was certainly not plain sailing in St Denis as Les Bleus fought very hard before Anthony Watson’s second-half try and the boot of Owen Farrell eventually allowed the Red Rose to pull clear.
This was England’s first Grand Slam in 13 years, an achievement that even Betsen had to begrudgingly admire.
England celebrate at the final whistle after securing the Grand Slam in the Stade de France
“It was a really tense match the whole way through,” he said.
“I was at the stadium that night and the atmosphere was very special – and I have to say congratulations to England.
“I don’t like to say that very often but they are worthy winners who have been waiting for a Grand Slam for 13 years – I know how long the wait was because I was in the way a few times!
“But the final whistle was my #TopMoment, that moment is the beauty of sport.
“When all the hard work and sacrifice, the training and the time behind closed doors becomes worth it – for that celebration with your mates and all the people to whom it means so much.” Last chance to vote for your #TopMoment and win a Tissot watch. Vote now on: http://uk.tissotshop.com/
