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:
Scotland 13-10 France, 34 minutes
The latest Scottish high hoist is knocked on. Ben White will feed five metres short of the French 22.
TRY! Scotland 13-10 FRANCE (Gael Fickou try, 32 minutes)
Promising indeed!
A fluent, forceful attack from France, working through the phases until the space appears. It comes out on the right, where Gael Fickou has great open expanses of green grass to run into - he may have the pace of his youth but the centre still has more than enough toe to get there.
Thomas Ramos converts superbly from out wide.
Scotland 13-3 France, 31 minutes
Scotland struggle to gather the restart, allowing France a chance inside their 22. Maxime Lucu lifts the tempo, bringing a phalanx of forwards on to the ball. Looks promising, this...
PENALTY! SCOTLAND 13-3 France (Finn Russell penalty, 30 minutes)
Russell bisects them. Scotland extend their lead.
Scotland 10-3 France, 29 minutes
George Turner is back with us, clear of his head injury assessment and permitted to return.
Another midfield misfire from Scotland looks to have sent Damian Penaud haring after a hack ahead, but the French backline were offside from the original lineout. This should be three more from Finn Russell’s right peg.
Scotland 10-3 France, 27 minutes
That’s delightful, too, from the magic man, turning Louis Bielle-Biarrey and pitching his punt perfectly to find the corner. Pressure on Peato Mauvaka’s throw...which just about finds French hands.
Scotland 10-3 France, 26 minutes
Another good clearance from Scotland, this time from Finn Russell’s right boot, which was also in excellent working order last week.
Here’s that opening Scottish score.
Scotland 10-3 France, 25 minutes
France play left and then to the right, space appearing and then closing quickly with Steve Tandy’s defensive system nicely formed. A couple of heavy Scottish carries knock France back further.
Damian Penaud comes off his wing in search of a touch, meandering slightly, as is his wont. But a chop tackle brings him down to earth, and a fumble on the floor ends the movement. Staunch stuff from the hosts.
Scotland 10-3 France, 22 minutes
A clvever little chip from Matthieu Jalibert almost bounces kindly for the French fly half, with Finn Russell just about there in time to prevent Jalibert cantering under the posts. Russell’s fumble means a French feed at the scrum, though. Ideal attacking position, this.
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