France vs Scotland LIVE rugby: Final score and Six Nations result as Gael Fickou seals bonus-point win
France beat Scotland in the final match of the Six Nations third round
France 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 on Sunday.
Gael Fickou gave the defending champions a bonus point 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.
They had lock Grant Gilchrist sent off after seven minutes, six minutes before France prop Mohamed Haouas was also shown a red card.
Second half begins!
France get the action restarted in Paris.
H/T: France 22-7 Scotland
Fatigue will be a factor for both teams with each down to 14. France have lost two back rowers already, Gregory Alldritt removed to allow Falatea to come on and then Anthony Jelonch replaced by Francois Cros. They do still have Sekou Macalou among their substitutes - he will surely be required.
Scotland, remember, brought on Jonny Gray for Hamish Watson in that first half. They have two more back five forwards among their replacements - Jack Dempsey and Sam Skinner.
H/T: France 22-7 Scotland
As for Mohamed Haouas...listen, I think this was clumsy, not malicious, and it certainly doesn’t compare to his punch on Jamie Ritchie in this fixture three years ago, but it’s not good from the prop.
Sipili Falatea has been bright since coming on, but this will be a big test of his fitness having had a bench role throughout this tournament so far. With Uini Atonio banned already, tighthead is a sore spot for the World Cup hosts: Thomas Laclayat of Oyonnax was in camp this week having toured Japan last summer without receiving a cap, and may be in line for a debut at Twickenham. Demba Bamba, who once looked a real rising star on the tighthead, has been a little short of his best since returning from a long-term knee injury.
H/T: France 22-7 Scotland
Those two red cards were both clear enough calls. You can somewhat understand how Grant Gilchrist ended up in this position, hampered by Matt Fagerson alongside him and still trying to make a forceful tackle, but there’s no wrap from the Scottish second row, with direct contact to the head meaning a straightforward decision for the officials.
H/T: France 22-7 Scotland
A red card apiece and a pulsating contest in Paris, with France throwing heavy haymakers and Scotland sticking in it. After two early tries showed the hosts’ physical prowess, Scotland have actually had arguably the better of things, and will be disappointed not to have capitalised more than once on some extended periods in the French 22.
Thomas Ramos’ intercept score and a penalty from the full back keep France’s half-time margin handsome enough - and Scotland’s struggles to combat their heavy runners suggest that a bonus point score will surely arrive at some point.
France 22-7 Scotland, 40 minutes
The crowd roar their delight - but the half-time whistle has gone! A brilliant kick turns Huw Jones, who is driven into touch, with France alive to the possibilities of a quick lineout. Charles Ollivon takes it, and scores as the Stade de France rises to cheer...but Nika Amashukeli’s sharp blast of the whistle sets them right, and sends the players down the tunnel.
France 22-7 Scotland, 39 minutes
Thomas Ramos claims a mark but takes a little longer run-up than he perhaps needs as he prepares to punt. A decent attacking platform for Scotland to try and work something from.
Good energy and invention initially from Scotland, but France handle the misdirection well. Huw Jones is cut down at the knees as he tries to schorch an outside trail, and Gael Fickou’s contesting hands eventually force a turnover on the Scottish right.
France 22-7 Scotland, 37 minutes
Scotland time a counter-drive at the breakdown well, waiting for the French protectors to soften before punching over the top. But the Shaun Edwards-drilled defence resets sharply, shutting down Finn Russell’s options. Russell throws a forward pass to Stuart Hogg with other potential receivers cut off.
PENALTY! FRANCE 22-7 Scotland (Thomas Ramos penalty, 36 minutes)
Thomas Ramos hits the mark from the tee, just right of centre and 25 metres out. France extend their advantage.
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