A Six Nations title is within France’s reach with Les Bleus bidding to seal championship success in the final fixture of the tournament against Scotland in Paris.
Fabien Galthie’s side ensured that their fate was in their own hands with their dismantling of Ireland last weekend, seizing control of the Six Nations. A win here of any kind will be enough to secure the crown, although Ireland and England put the pressure on with victories of their own earlier on “Super Saturday”.
The hosts embark without their skipper after Antoine Dupont suffered a serious knee injury in Dublin, but Galthie again sticks with the power-packed bench that caused such havoc seven days ago.
Standing between the French and the title are Scotland, looking for a positive finish to a disappointing campaign. Hopes of a title challenge did not materialise for Gregor Townsend’s men after their run of Calcutta Cup dominance came to an end, and the Scots threatened to throw away a strong lead against Wales in the penultimate round, too. A positive finish would help build optimism for the future, though, and prove again that Townsend is the right man to lead Scotland forward.
Try! France 35-16 Scotland, 60 minutesThis is a huge punch from France, Yoram Moefana gets the try.
Bielle-Biarrey impresses once more, speeding through the 22 and off-loading to Fickou on the left. Gael Fickou then passes to Yoram Moefana, who powers through Russell to score. Ramos’ conversion attempt goes wide.
Ciara Fearn15 March 2025 21:32
France edge closer to titleA brief interruption from deep inside the Principality Stadium, where the stage is just starting to be built in case England have to return to hoist the trophy later. On came the first few pieces of the rostrum just as Thomas Ramos scooted in for that score – I think they can hold off for now.
A picture from inside the Principality Stadium showing the stage being built in case England need to lift the Six Nations trophy (Harry Latham-Coyle)Harry Latham-Coyle in Cardiff15 March 2025 21:28
Try! France 30-16 Scotland, 57 minutesYou sense that France perhaps have one hand on it but Scotland will fight to the very second.
Scotland are pushed back at another maul, and when France spread the ball wide, Thomas Ramos spots a gap and scores their third try of the evening. Adding the conversion extras.
Ciara Fearn15 March 2025 21:27
France 23-16 Scotland, 56 minutesPenaud receives the ball, but Van der Merwe cleans up the kick and confidently fends off a tackle, clearing with Russell. France then drive forward with a powerful maul into Scotland’s 22.
The visitors face a crucial defensive moment here.
Ciara Fearn15 March 2025 21:24
France 13-19 Scotland, 52 minutesThis second half has gone up a level in skill! This is exactly what we wanted to see.
Jamie Ritchie does excellently to secure the ball at the breakdown, earning Scotland a penalty. However, the visitors fail to find touch, and France quickly launch another attack.
Ciara Fearn15 March 2025 21:22
Penalty! France 23-16 Scotland, 48 minutesFrance bring on their formidable bench. Six of the seven forwards are now on: Julien Marchand, Cyril Baille, Dorian Aldegheri, Emmanuel Meafou, Oscar Jegou, and Anthony Jelonch.
Finn Russell slices through the French defence, with Darcy Graham just being stopped short. The Bath fly-half is running at full speed.
Scotland have the penalty advantage. Russell converts.
Ciara Fearn15 March 2025 21:19
France 23-13 Scotland, 46 minutesKnock-on, Guillard wins possession at the breakdown but loses the ball as he tries to place it.
Scotland will have a scrum just inside the French half. The visitors need to score next.
Ciara Fearn15 March 2025 21:15
Try! France 23-13 Scotland, 43 minutesHistorical for Louis Bielle-Biarrey, securing eight tries, a new record for the Six Nations championship! A stardust player for French rugby. Ramos converts.
Ciara Fearn15 March 2025 21:12
Kick-off! France 16-13 Scotland, 41 minutesScotland kick-off this second half with a clear vision on how to win this game.. We’re underway in Paris again.
Ciara Fearn15 March 2025 21:07
Former Wales player Dan Biggar on ITV:“That is not a rugby incident. Mauvaka is a very lucky boy. If you’re Scottish and English, that is a straight red card!”
Ciara Fearn15 March 2025 21:06
