Scotland’s form in the Guinness Men’s Six Nations continued its upward trajectory when they outgunned France 50-40 at Murrayfield to record on their most memorable days in the Championship.
Graham (4', 58'), Steyn (26', 50'), Schoeman (31'), White (43'), Jordan (62')
Tries
Bielle-Biarrey (17'), Attissogbe (21'), Dupont (65'), Ramos (73', 80'), Jegou (77')
Russell (5', 33', 44', 51', 59', 63')
Conversions
Ramos (18', 22', 66', 78', 81')
Russell (77')
Penalties
Scotland’s form in the Guinness Men’s Six Nations continued its upward trajectory when they outgunned France 50-40 at Murrayfield to record on their most memorable days in the Championship.
Darcy Graham and Kyle Steyn scored two tries apiece, while Pierre Schoeman, Ben White and Tom Jordan added scores of their own against a hitherto unbeaten France side that left with a losing bonus point after scoring six tries of their own.
It means Scotland are level with Fabien Galthie’s Bleus on 16 points, but second as the have a poorer points difference. Gregor Townsend’s team now face Ireland in Dublin on Super Saturday, while France host England in the Championship’s concluding fixture at home at the Stade de France.
Here’s ATR’s view on how Scotland upended France’s procession…
Graham Unleashed
Darcy Graham may have been Scotland’s joint leading try-scorer, alongside Duhan van der Merwe with 35 tries at the start of the Championship, but it didn’t mean that Townsend automatically started him, nor the man he shared the record with.
Instead, he began all three matches on the bench and came on each time. Then when he was given a starting place, across the pitch from Kyle Steyn, he grabbed the chance with both hands. Two tries, including the first of the day, and a prodigious work ethic that featured him popping up on Finn Russell’s shoulder whenever the chance arose.
In fact, when both your wings score a brace it is usually a good day. Townsend was criticised for not picking Graham and Blair Kinghorn, but their performances didn’t justify it at the start. He made them wait, watch and know what was expected, then gave them their head after beating England, and they have responded in fine fashion.
Work, Work, Work
Scotland knew they had to hold onto the ball if they were to win. After all, if France don’t have the ball, they can’t score, but that means working their socks off and then some. They certainly did that.
Townsend’s side made more passes, more carries, and more metres than their French rivals. Of the top 10 carriers, Thomas Ramos and Mathieu Jalibert were the only Frenchman. Jack Dempsey led the way with 15, with four others carrying into double figures.
It is the reverse in tackling where Rory Darge and Matt Fagerson are the only Scots in the top 10. It showed that France were the ones having to tackle – 200 in the 80 minutes to Scotland’s 124 – and while they were doing that they were unable to go on the attack. Meanwhile Scotland made 214 passes to France’s 146. It reflected their desire to keep the ball moving, and doing so with pace, pace even France couldn’t cope with.
Nitty Gritty
Of the four starting second rows, only Scotland’s Scott Cummings is a fulltime member of the engine room. His partner Gregor Brown is one of those who is equally comfortable in the backrow, while their French counterparts Charles Ollivon and Mickael Guillard made their names as backrowers and have been converted by Galthie this season.
The idea is that their pace, agility and support running were better suited for France’s all dancing style. That is true, until they reach the stage where they need to win the ball back, slow down the opposition, or establish themselves at the set piece.
Ollivon and Guillard could do neither such was Scotland’s pace, and even when the bigger boys Thibaud Flament and Emmanuel Meafou were sent for soon after halftime, it made little difference.
France’s lack of control wasn’t helped by a lineout that faltered - 75 percent wins to Scotland’s 93 percent – and giving away two yellow cards to Scotland’s one. That lack of control will be noted and recognised by the rugby world.
Sting In The Tail
But for a drop off in the last quarter that allowed France in for a four-try bonus, Scotland would be heading to Dublin one point ahead and with the title in their hands. Yes, they would have to beat Ireland for the first time in Townsend’s tenure, the first time since 2017 (including two World Cup losses), and do so at the Aviva Stadium, but going into the final weekend with the Championship in their hands would represent tangible progress.
Ireland’s levels dropped from their rip-roaring display against England, but then so did Scotland’s. They still beat Wales. Scotland can’t be fooled by Ireland’s mixed showing on Friday their team is far improved from the opening two rounds now that Jack Crowley has been given the starting flyhalf spot.
The only shame is it isn’t the closing match of the Championship. France at home and their desire to kick off at 21.00 local time meant they would always play last, but it will start the whistle on a final day that has lots riding on it and promises fun galore.
