Ibanez plays down Six Nations triumph

France captain Rafael Ibanez led his side to the brink of victory in the RBS 6 Nations with a win over Scotland but insisted it would not “mean anything” in the World Cup.

Only England could take the title off the French, who ran out 46-19 victors to outflank Ireland – who had earlier beaten Italy 51-24 – but they would need a huge win over Wales to stop Bernard Laporte’s side celebrating.

All eyes now turn towards the World Cup – held in France later this year – but Ibanez does not believe victory in the Six Nations would have any significance.

“I’m very proud of the guys,” he told BBC1.

“After last week against England we showed some character here today.

“We needed to work hard and we as a team we have too many ups and downs but today was important for us.

“I’m not sure it will mean anything for the World Cup but we played well and won the Six Nations and that is good.”