France v Scotland LIVE: Result and reaction as Les Bleus clinch Six Nations title to deny England
France 35-16 Scotland: Les Bleus shook off the pressure with a superb second-half display to clinch the championship title ahead of England
France beat Scotland 35-16 at the Stade de France to clinch the Six Nations title for the first time since 2022.
Their fourth win of the competition left them on 21 points, one ahead of England who beat Wales earlier in the day to pile the pressure on Les Bleus. Defending champions Ireland finished third on 19 after beating Italy in Rome.
Fabien Galthie’s side had ensured that their fate was in their own hands with their dismantling of Ireland last weekend, seizing control of the Six Nations. A win of any kind was always going to be enough to secure the crown and in a thrilling finale, they produced a scintillating second-half display to claim a second title win of the Galthie era.
Defeat for Scotland brought a disappointing campaign to an end. 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. Questions my now be raised about Townsend’s future as Scotland coach
Relive the action from the Stade de France in our live blog below:
Former Scotland back-row Johnnie Beattie told ITV:
On Mauvaka’s yellow-card: “You can't fly across the ground and headbutt someone. We do not want to see that in our sport.
“Ramos starts the entire thing, and Mauvaka lunging at someone head first, he is very lucky that hasn't been upgraded to a red card.”
France 16-13 Scotland
This game is in the balance heading into the second half
Half-time, no try! France 16-13 Scotland, 40 minutes
It’s a no try as Jordan puts the ball down following a huge break from Kinghorn, but the TMO intervenes, ruling that Kinghorn stepped into touch.
That will be a huge deflation for Scotland heading into half-time.
Penalty! France 16-13 Scotland, 37 minutes
It’s getting messy at the breakdown and Scotland are paying the price. France win a penalty.
France only just push in front again as we approach half-time, Ramos secures the extras.
Penalty! France 13-13 Scotland, 35 minutes
Scotland are putting everything into their attack inside the France 22.
Scotland are making life awkward for France, if they play fast rugby they really can beat any defence. Four penalty advantages is clumsy from France.
Jean Baptiste Gros is shown a yellow card for persistent fouls. Scotland opt for the kicking tee, and Russell calmly slots it over.
It’s all to play for now..
France 13-10 Scotland, 31 minutes
Knock-on as Scotland show strong attacking play, moving the ball from one side to the other. Fickou reads Russell's pass well, but the centre mishandles it and knocks on.
Scotland will have a scrum just outside the French 22.
Try! France 13-10 Scotland, 28 minutes
Peato Mauvaka's card remains yellow. Meanwhile, Scotland have found the key!
They are back in the game. Darcy Graham secures the try and Russell converts. Scotland are back within three.
France 13-3 Scotland, 25 minutes
Lucu sends a grubber kick towards the try-line and looks ready to score, but Ben White makes a brilliant recovery, diving back to beat Lucu to the ball and deny the try.
France now have a scrum just five metres from the line, presenting another strong attacking chance.
France win a penalty and Scotland are penalised for being offside. France opt to take the three points with Ramos' kick from right in front.
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