France have ended Scotland’s hopes of a Six Nations grand slam with a 32-21 victory in a high-octane, nail-biting clash with both sides reduced to 14 men early on at the Stade de France.
Gael Fickou gave the defending champions a bonus point in Sunday’s clash with a last-minute try to add to those of Romain Ntamack, Ethan Dumortier and Thomas Ramos, who kicked the rest of the points.
Scotland, who defended ferociously and came close to overturning a 19-0 deficit, scored with two tries from Huw Jones and the boot of Finn Russell, who also added a try as the visitors recovered from a woeful start.
The Scots had lock Grant Gilchrist sent off after seven minutes, six minutes before France prop Mohamed Haouas was also shown a red card.
France’s Gael Fickou forces his way through the Scotland defence to score a try. (Photo by Adam Davy/PA Images via Getty Images)
Fabien Galthie’s side were looking to bounce back from their defeat against Ireland, their first in their last 15 Tests, and while they managed to get back to their winning ways, they did not appear as invincible as in 2022.
Scotland, after wins against England and Wales, will now look to stay in contention for the title when they take on unbeaten Ireland while France will travel to England.
Les Bleus went through the phases early on and Ntamack touched down wide after the forwards had worn down the Scottish defence.
Gilchrist then made a direct shoulder contact with Anthony Jelonch’s face and was sent off after referee Nika Amashukeli saw a “high degree of danger” in the move.
Dumortier went over shortly afterwards on the left wing to put France 12-0 up, only for Haouas to be shown a red card in the 13th minute for a head-first charge at Ben White’s head.
It spurred Scotland into action, but Les Bleus were more clinical as Ramos intercepted a long pass from Russell in for the hosts’ third try after a 50-metre run.
Russell was more inspired to put the visitors on the scoreboard with a superb pass for centre Jones who touched down between the posts.
While Scotland remained a constant danger with powerful driving mauls, Ramos added a penalty to give France a 15-point halftime lead.
Scotland reduced the arrears early on in the second half as Jones powered through for his second try as France’s strategy was to limit the damage.
Some brilliant moves, however, brought Dumortier on the cusp of a fifth try for France, but the winger made a poor choice in front of the line.
Russell then dived over after a series of five-metre scrums to put Scotland within touching distance before France increased the pressure in the final minutes, although they failed to make their domination count.
It was, however, France who had the last laugh with a risk-taking choice as they went for a bonus try, which Fickou sealed after being set up by Antoine Dupont in a final move that also denied Scotland a defensive bonus point.
Malo
Guest
Hey did you here the commentator state that the French prop who got red carded had to get special permission from the courts to play as he was recently convicted for house burglary
Homer Gain
Guest
Russell is undoubtedly a great entertainer, especially for the neutral. But he's as likely to lose you a game, as win you one. Regarding No 10s, I think Ntamack is rapidly playing himself out of French plans. It may just be a post-injury dip, but he has been consistently poor for club and country since his return. That may partly explain Dupont's slightly lower key performances recently, and indeed the general inconsistency of the French over this period.
Wizz
Roar Rookie
Agreed north south no divide anymore still think France behind Boks and Blacks and Ireland have tough draw to win it.All south final .( I am biased )
The Neutral View From Sweden
Roar Guru
Well, neither Boks nor Blacks have been flying high lately. The days when the old superpowers ripped it up and schooled the teams up north are long gone.
The Neutral View From Sweden
Roar Guru
First of all: it was a great Test match and that is my main takeaway. Brilliant stuff to watch and it is weird getting used to that the best code is played in Europe these days. No doubt that France has not hit top gear in the last six months, but they find ways to win Tests they almost certainly would have lost a couple of years ago. But it is interesting that they look beatable when facing relentless and high pace attacking rugby. And what about Scotland? They play outstanding rugby and are an absolute privilege to watch at the moment. If they can continue to consistently perform at this level, they will have a fair chance to do something very special at the World Cup later this year.
Malo
Guest
That game was fantastic. Scotland are the real deal now, Russell has to be the best 5/8 in world rugby and their centres are great also. Feels like the six nations side will take out this upcoming World Cup. France or Ireland are so consistent.
Wizz
Roar Rookie
Look rusty all six nations France behind Boks Blacks and Ireland Scotland big improvers Should have won where have we heard that before..
Faith
Roar Rookie
France are not the team they were two years ago. Half their team was arguable in top three in their positions in the world. And Dupont was of course the best. Aldritt, Olliovon, Baille, Marchaund, Pernaud, Willemse, Kros ... now they are being dominated by Scotland. This game they only won on the scoreboard at home!