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:
Try! France 35-16 Scotland, 60 minutes
This is a huge punch from France, Yoram Moefana gets the try.
Bielle-Biarrey impresses once more, speeding through the 22 and off-loading to Fickou on the left. Gael Fickou then passes to Yoram Moefana, who powers through Russell to score. Ramos’ conversion attempt goes wide.
France edge closer to title
A brief interruption from deep inside the Principality Stadium, where the stage is just starting to be built in case England have to return to hoist the trophy later. On came the first few pieces of the rostrum just as Thomas Ramos scooted in for that score - I think they can hold off for now.
Try! France 30-16 Scotland, 57 minutes
You sense that France perhaps have one hand on it but Scotland will fight to the very second.
Scotland are pushed back at another maul, and when France spread the ball wide, Thomas Ramos spots a gap and scores their third try of the evening. Adding the conversion extras.
France 23-16 Scotland, 56 minutes
Penaud receives the ball, but Van der Merwe cleans up the kick and confidently fends off a tackle, clearing with Russell. France then drive forward with a powerful maul into Scotland’s 22.
The visitors face a crucial defensive moment here.
France 13-19 Scotland, 52 minutes
This second half has gone up a level in skill! This is exactly what we wanted to see.
Jamie Ritchie does excellently to secure the ball at the breakdown, earning Scotland a penalty. However, the visitors fail to find touch, and France quickly launch another attack.
Penalty! France 23-16 Scotland, 48 minutes
France bring on their formidable bench. Six of the seven forwards are now on: Julien Marchand, Cyril Baille, Dorian Aldegheri, Emmanuel Meafou, Oscar Jegou, and Anthony Jelonch.
Finn Russell slices through the French defence, with Darcy Graham just being stopped short. The Bath fly-half is running at full speed.
Scotland have the penalty advantage. Russell converts.
France 23-13 Scotland, 46 minutes
Knock-on, Guillard wins possession at the breakdown but loses the ball as he tries to place it.
Scotland will have a scrum just inside the French half. The visitors need to score next.
Try! France 23-13 Scotland, 43 minutes
Historical for Louis Bielle-Biarrey, securing eight tries, a new record for the Six Nations championship! A stardust player for French rugby. Ramos converts.
Kick-off! France 16-13 Scotland, 41 minutes
Scotland kick-off this second half with a clear vision on how to win this game.. We’re underway in Paris again.
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