Scotland vs France LIVE: Six Nations rugby score and latest updates as Jonathan Danty try seals bonus point

Follow live reaction after the favourites for the 2022 Six Nations stayed on course for a Grand Slam

Gael Fickou scores France’s third try (Reuters)

France were at their flamboyant best as they scored six tries in thumping Scotland 36-17 at Murrayfield on Saturday to make it three wins out of three in the Six Nations this year.

Two tries in the opening 13 minutes served notice of their form and status as tournament favourites, as Paul Willemse and Yoram Moefana went over early.

There were four more tries from Gale Fickou, Jonathan Danty and Damien Penaud (2) in a devastating performance, with Melvyn Jaminet adding three conversions

Scotland offered resistance at stages but only went over the line twice through loose forward Rory Darge, making his first start for the home team, and Duhan van der Merwe. Finn Russell converted one of the tries and added a penalty while Stuart Hogg converted the other.

Scotland vs France

• Match kicked off at Murrayfield at 2.15pm GMT | Live on BBC One
• France lead championship with two wins | Scotland aiming to bounce back from Wales defeat
• 9 min: Paul Willemse finishes slick French counter-attack, Scotland 0-7 France
• 13 min: Yoram Moefana caps another flowing move to score, Scotland 3-12 France
• 29 min: Rory Darge goes over on debut to reduce the deficit, Scotland 10-12 France
• 40+2 min: Gael Fickou’s brilliant finish gives French third try, Scotland 10-19 France
• 42 min: Jonathan Danty grabs a chip and chase to score, Scotland 10-26 France
• 72 min: Damian Penaud adds another try to wrap up victory, Scotland 10-36 France
• 80min: Duhan van der Merwe registers late consolation score, Scotland 17-36 France

[26 February 2022 13:12 · Sarah Rendell]

Scotland vs France: Recent history

Scotland are bidding to defeat France for the third year in a row after wins in 2020 and 2021. The Scots haven’t had three consecutive Six Nations victories against Le Blues since the 1950s.

The 2021 win was the first time Scotland had beaten France in Paris in 22 years. So all the recent history is pointing a Scotland victory.

However, after an impressive start to the campaign against England Scotland fell off against Wales. Whereas France had an average performance against Italy but had spectacular match against Ireland to keep their Grand Slam hopes alive.

So it’s all the play for and could go either way, kick-off at 2.15pm.

[26 February 2022 13:02 · Sarah Rendell]

Scotland vs France: What have the head coaches said?

France will be looking for revenge as Scotland stopped them from claiming the 2021 Six Nations title.

The French coach Fabien Galthie has spoken about the threat they pose and what his team will keep an eye out for. He said: “Scotland will field very powerful threequarters with a very direct game, based around (Finn) Russell.

“There will be a lot at stake in terms of physical dominance. It will be crucial to stand up blow for blow to their backs, who are very quick and strong, and with their two wingers who are walking on water at the moment.

“Scotland is our only defeat at home in France. They are a team that gives us problems and we are aware of the level that we will have to be able to put in all sectors of the game to compete.”

And Scotland’s Gregor Townsend has been honest and said if they lose they are out of the trophy race.

“We believe in our team but it is our last chance to be in the race for a trophy at the end of the season,” Townsend said. “We believe in our group so we have to put everything into this at the weekend and deliver what we’re capable of delivering.”

(PA Wire)

[26 February 2022 12:53 · Sarah Rendell]

Scotland vs France: Team news

Scotland have made four changes from their defeat Wales two weeks ago.

There were three tactical changes as Zander Fagerson, Rory Darge and Magnus Bradbury came into the team and Gregor Townsend was forced to make another as Hamish Watson tested positive for Covid.

Nick Haining comes into the starting XV with Andy Christie on the bench.

Scotland: Stuart Hogg (captain); Darcy Graham, Chris Harris, Sione Tuipulotu, Duhan van der Merwe; Finn Russell, Ali Price; Pierre Schoeman, Stuart McInally, Zander Fagerson, Sam Skinner, Grant Gilchrist, Nick Haining, Rory Darge, Magnus Bradbury.

Replacements: George Turner, Oli Kebble, WP Nel, Jamie Hodgson, Andy Christie, Ben White, Blair Kinghorn, Mark Bennett.

Meanwhile, France have made one change from their victory over Ireland. Jonathan Danty comes back into the side in the centre with Yoram Moefana moving to the wing as Gabin Villiere is injured.

France: Melvyn Jaminet; Damian Penaud, Gael Fickou, Jonathan Danty, Yoram Moefana; Romain Ntamack, Antoine Dupont (captain); Cyril Baille, Julian Marchand, Uini Atonio, Cameron Woki, Paul Willemse, Francois Cros, Anthony Jelonch, Gregory Alldritt.

Replacements: Peato Mauvaka, Jean-Baptiste Gros, Demba Bamba, Romain Taofifenua, Thibaud Flament, Dylan Cretin, Maxime Lucu, Thomas Ramos.

[26 February 2022 12:46 · Lawrence Ostlere]

Scotland vs France

Gregor Townsend’s side welcome the 2022 Championship favourites to Murrayfield hoping to spring a surprise for a third straight time. The hosts have got the better of Les Bleus on the last two occasions but the French pose a fearsome threat this time around.

Fresh from opening wins over Italy and then Ireland, confidence is high that a first title since 2010 is on the cards. Centre Jonathan Danty returns to the side in the only personnel change from the team that defeated the Irish in Paris, with Gabin Villiere ruled out with a fractured sinus.

After defeat in Cardiff last time out, victory over France is essential if the Scots are to back up their pre-tournament promise with silverware. Flanker Rory Darge makes his first start in the pack with Magnus Bradbury and Zander Fagerson also included in three changes.