France vs Scotland – Report – Six Nations Championship 2023 – 26 Feb, 2023

(*26*) ended Scotland’s hopes of a Six Nations Grand Slam with a 32-21 victory in a excessive-octane, nail-biting conflict with either side decreased to 14 males early on on the Stade de (*26*) on Sunday.

Gael Fickou gave the defending champions a bonus level with a final-minute attempt to add to these of Romain Ntamack, Ethan Dumortier and Thomas Ramos, who kicked the remainder of the factors.

Scotland, who defended ferociously and got here near overturning a 19-0 deficit, scored with two tries from Huw Jones and the boot of Finn Russell, who additionally added a attempt because the guests recovered from a woeful begin.

They had lock Grant Gilchrist despatched off after seven minutes, six minutes earlier than (*26*) prop Mohamed Haouas was additionally proven a crimson card.

Fabien Galthie’s facet have been seeking to bounce again from their defeat in opposition to Ireland, their first of their final 15 assessments, and whereas they managed to get again to their successful methods, they didn’t seem as invincible as in 2022.

Scotland, after wins in opposition to England and Wales, will now look to remain in competition for the title once they tackle unbeaten Ireland whereas (*26*) will journey to England.

Les Bleus went by means of the phases early on and Ntamack touched down broad after the forwards had worn down the Scottish defence.

Gilchrist then made a direct shoulder contact with Anthony Jelonch’s face and was despatched off after referee Nika Amashukeli noticed a “high degree of danger” within the transfer.

Dumortier went over shortly afterwards on the from the left wing to place (*26*) 12-0 up, just for Haouas to be proven a crimson card within the thirteenth minute for a head-first cost at Ben White’s head.

It spurred Scotland into motion, however (*26*) have been extra scientific as Ramos intercepted a protracted cross from Russell in for the hosts’ third attempt after a 50-metre run.

Russell was extra impressed to place the guests on the scoreboard with an excellent cross for centre Jones who touched down between the posts.

While Scotland remained a continuing hazard with highly effective driving mauls, Ramos added a penalty to offer (*26*) a 15-level half-time lead.

Scotland decreased the arrears early on within the second half as Jones powered by means of for his second attempt as France’s technique was to restrict the harm.

Some sensible strikes, nonetheless, introduced Dumortier on the cusp of a fifth attempt for (*26*), however the winger made a poor selection in entrance of the road.

Russell then dived over after a collection of 5-metre scrums to place Scotland inside touching distance earlier than (*26*) elevated the stress within the last minutes, though they didn’t make their domination depend.

It was, nonetheless, (*26*) who had the final chortle with a threat-taking selection as they went for a bonus attempt, which Fickou obtained after being arrange by Antoine Dupont in a last transfer that additionally denied Scotland a defensive bonus level.