Scotland v France highlights: Six Nations score and updates as visitors hold on to win in thrilling end
Scotland 16-20 France: Les Bleus bounce back from last week’s humiliation against Ireland with a dramatic win at Murraygield as Scotland denied at the death
Scotland suffered a dramatic 20-16 defeat to France as the second weekend of the Six Nations kicked off in style in Edinburgh.
Gregor Townsend’s side just about survived a scintillating Welsh comeback to secure a first win in Cardiff in 22 years in round one but endured similarly dramatic heartbreak a week later.
Louis Bialle-Biarrey’s stunning 70th-minute solo try – as he collected his own chip over the top to dot down – had put France one point ahead and they added a penalty to extend the lead to four before Scotland drove for the match-winning try as the clock seeped into the red. They burrowed their way over the line from close range but, after a long TMO review, it was determined they had been held up, with insufficient evidence to overturn the on-field call of no-try and Les Bleus clung on.
Scotland had led for most of the match due to Ben White’s early try but Gael Fickou scored for Les Bleus and kickers Thomas Ramos and Finn Russell traded penalties before the late drama.
Relive live coverage of Scotland vs France in today’s live blog:
Why Scotland’s Cardiff collapse was a blessing in disguise for their Six Nations hopes
It was a real curate’s egg of a contest in Cardiff, with Scotland walking away with a first win in the city for 22 years and yet still feeling strangely deflated after almost contriving to throw away a 27-point lead. But, Luke Baker argues, an almighty scare might have been exactly what Gregor Townsend’s men needed.
Why Scotland’s Cardiff collapse was a blessing in disguise
Scotland came close to surrendering a 27-point lead, the biggest in Six Nations history, in their opener against Wales but held on to win and that may just be the best thing that could have happened to them
Jamie Ritchie still has part to play in Scotland’s Six Nations – Gregor Townsend
Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend assured Jamie Ritchie he still had a part to play in the Six Nations after the recently-deposed captain was omitted from the 23-man squad for today’s round two clash.
The 27-year-old Edinburgh flanker was informed last month that he would not be continuing as skipper due to no longer being guaranteed a place in the back-row amid intense competition for places, with Rory Darge and Finn Russell taking over as co-captains.
Ritchie started last weekend’s 27-26 victory away to Wales but he is the only player to have dropped out of the team for this weekend’s match, apart from Luke Crosbie and Richie Gray, who both sustained tournament-ending injuries in Cardiff.
Jamie Ritchie still has part to play in Scotland’s Six Nations – Gregor Townsend
The Edinburgh flanker was informed last month that he would not be continuing as skipper due to no longer being guaranteed a place in the back-row.
France given warning after ‘masters’ Ireland expose deeper issues
After four years of a unified approach in the build-up to a home World Cup, suddenly there are plenty of questions for France. Was the flat showing against Ireland merely an aberration or a sign of deeper malaise?
France given warning after ‘masters’ Ireland expose deeper issues
Les Bleus coach Fabien Galthie could not analyse his side’s shortcomings in the immediate aftermath of Friday’s 38-17 drubbing, with concerns extending beyond the lines of the Stade Velodrome pitch after an agonising end to last year’s World Cup cycle
Scotland v France talking points: Can wounded, Dupont-less French summon a response?
After the deflation of their World Cup quarter-final exit on home soil, France failed to get the positive Six Nations starter they were after when they were destroyed 38-17 at home to Ireland last weekend. In mitigation, they played more than half the match in Marseille with 14 men, but the French arrive in Edinburgh with their backs firmly against the wall and in need of a response. They will have to find a way to conjure it without their influential half-back pairing of Antoine Dupont (who has switched to sevens) and Romain Ntamack (injured).
Kenny Logan says Scotland should be full of confidence ahead of France clash
Kenny Logan is adamant Scotland should go into the encounter with an under-pressure France in bullish mood because they have proved on several occasions they can unsettle Les Bleus on home soil.
The Scots have won five of the last seven meetings between the teams at Murrayfield – and three of the last four Edinburgh clashes in the Six Nations.
Logan, who won 70 caps for Scotland, feels the Scots are perfectly capable of inflicting another defeat on the French, who lost 38-17 at home to Ireland in their Guinness Six Nations opener last Friday.
Kenny Logan says Scotland should be full of confidence ahead of France clash
Logan, 51, played for Scotland in an era when victories over France were rare.
Scotland vs France
Rory Darge feels “refreshed” and ready to lead Scotland into today’s Six Nations showdown with France after dismissing any concerns about being exposed to such a big match following a six-week injury lay-off.
The 23-year-old flanker has been sidelined since sustaining knee ligament damage while playing for Glasgow against Edinburgh on December 30 but – after being named national team co-captain by Gregor Townsend last month – he has been deemed fit enough to start against Les Bleus at Murrayfield.
Darge played down any notion that his lack of recent game time might be an issue.
“Really good,” he said, when asked at the pre-match captain’s run press conference on Friday how he was feeling.
Rory Darge says he is ready to return and captain Scotland against France
The 23-year-old flanker has been sidelined since sustaining knee ligament damage while playing for Glasgow against Edinburgh.
Good afternoon
Scotland welcome France as the second weekend of the Six Nations kicks off in Edinburgh this afternoon.
The hosts are looking to build on a winning start after Gregor Townsend’s side just about survived a scintillating Welsh comeback to secure a first win in Cardiff in 22 years. The manner of Scotland’s win will serve as a wake-up call, however, after they limped over the line having established a 27-point lead at the Principality.
Now Murrayfield will be expectant, but Scotland should perhaps fear a furious French backlash after a flat opening performance in Marseille against Ireland last Friday night. It was a disappointing start from a side that many considered title favourites and followed a crushing World Cup on home soil for France.
The visitors will no doubt be desperate to right the ship and keep their Six Nations title ambitions alive - and both teams know they will have to be perfect from here on in to contend with the Ireland juggernaut.
Follow live coverage of Scotland vs France in today’s live blog
How to watch Scotland v France
When is Scotland vs France?
Scotland vs France is due to kick off at 2.15pm GMT on Saturday 10 February at Murrayfield in Edinburgh.
How can I watch it?
Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on BBC One, with coverage on the channel from 1.15pm GMT. A livestream will be available via the BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport website.
If you’re travelling abroad and want to watch major sporting events, you might need a VPN to unblock your streaming app. Our VPN round-up is here to help and includes deals on VPNs in the market. Viewers using a VPN need to make sure that they comply with any local regulations where they are, and also with the terms of their service provider.
Scotland v France referee: Who is Six Nations official Nic Berry?
Nic Berry is the referee Scotland vs France in round two of the Six Nations.
Berry made his World Cup debut four years ago in Japan, and returned to the officiating panel for the tournament in France.
The Australian took charge of the third/fourth place play-off between England and Argentina on the final weekend of the World Cup, and returns to Six Nations action having assisted Paul Williams in Rome last week.
Scotland v France referee: Who is Six Nations official Nic Berry?
Australia Berry will officiate the round two clash
Everything you need to know about Scotland v France
Scotland will be looking to build on an opening weekend win as France travel to Edinburgh.
Gregor Townsend’s side just about survived a scintillating Welsh comeback to secure a first win in Cardiff in 22 years, edging home having established a 27-point lead just after half-time.
The hosts will now perhaps be fearing a furious French backlash after a flat opening performance in Marseille from a side that many considered their title favourites.
It followed a disappointing World Cup on home soil for France, who will no doubt be desperate to right the ship and keep their Six Nations title ambitions alive.
Here’s everything you need to know:
Scotland v France live stream: How to watch Six Nations online and on TV
Everything you need to know ahead of the round two fixture
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