Scotland v France Six Nations Rugby

Scotland v France

Scotland 9 – 18 France

France won the game, but it was not the France that are famed for their free flowing, try scoring rugby from the past that won. Instead, France adopted a strategy based on forward power that effectively ‘steam-rollered a brave Scottish team into submission over the 80 minutes, proving that they can mix it with the best both up front and in the backs.

Try as Scotland did, France seemed always to have the answers and as the game moved into the second half, it was France who were completely dominating proceedings.

They scored two first half tries through giant centre Bastareaud, but the rest of their points came from the boot of fly half, Parra, while Scotland could only respond with three penalties from the ever reliable boot of Chris Paterson.

France now go on to play Grand Slam champions Ireland in Paris, which for many will be the match that will decide the championship this season. Meanwhile Scotland will travel to Cardiff to face Wales, hoping that they can return to the form that saw them beat Australia back in November.

Check out the following previews:

  • France v Ireland
  • Wales v Scotland
  • Italy v England

Form

Scotland would love to reproduce the result of four years ago when they defeated a French team bound for Championship glory. Scotland won that match 20-16, but it is the only time in the brief 11 year history of the Six Nations that Scotland have beaten them.

In fact Scotland’s performances against France at Murrayfield over recent times have been woeful and if they have any pretentions of turning Murrayfield into a fortress then they would do well not to remind themselves of those several painful defeats.

Unquestionably, France go into this encounter with Scotland as hot favourites with their odds hovering around the 2/5 odds on mark, while Scotland have been shown some respect at least by the Bookmakers who quote them at around 15/8 generally.

There is little doubt that Scotland have improved quite considerably under new coach, Andy Robinson. They showed this improvement when they defeated Australia 9-8 in November, but by the same token they showed that improvement was not always so obvious when losing to a sub-standard Pumas team a week later.

To have any chance the ‘Thistles’ must bring their A game to Murrayfield and be prepared to defend at the same level as they had to against Australia. Including Chris Paterson in the team at full back could be a master-stroke, his kicking ability puts the fear of God into most teams and France will know that any cheap penalties given away in their own half could be 3 points lost. Paterson, may not get all things his own way however, the French will know his vulnerabilities under the high ball and he can expect plenty of that in the early stages of the match.

We take France to win, but reserve the right to change our minds should Scotland remain in the game with 20 minutes or so left. A French victory of somewhere between, 11-15 points, looks to be the bet to be on, particularly with odds of around 11/2.

Scottish Team

15. Chris Paterson, 14. Thom Evans, 13. Max Evans, 12. Graeme Morrison, 11. Sean Lamont, 10. Phil Godman, 9. Chris Cusiter (Capt), 8. Johnnie Beattie, 7. John Barclay, 6. Kelly Brown, 5. Alastair Kellock, 4. Nathan Hines, 3. Moray Low, 2. Ross Ford, 1. Alasdair Dickinson.

French Team

15. C Poitrenaud, 14. B Fall, 13. M Bastareaud, 12. Y Jauzion, 11. A Rougerie, 10. F Trinh-Duc, 9. M Parra, 8. T Domingo, 7. W Servat, 6. N Mas, 5. L Nallet, 4. P Pape, 3. T Dusautoir, 2. F Ouedraogo, 1. I Harinordoquy.