Rugby: Scotland beat France 50-40, keep Six Nations title race alive

EDINBURGH:: In a thrilling Six Nations clash, Scotland stunned France 50-40 at Murrayfield on Saturday, keeping the championship wide open ahead of the final round.

Wingers Darcy Graham and Kyle Steyn scored two tries each as Scotland ran France ragged under the Edinburgh sun. Prop Pierre Schoeman and scrumhalf Ben White also crossed the line, giving the Scots their highest points tally against France in history.

Despite the defeat, France picked up a try-scoring bonus point and remain top of the table on points difference, both teams sitting on 16 points, with Ireland still in contention on 14.

Scotland Surge

Scotland stormed to a 40-14 lead, dominating collisions and playing at a pace France could not match. Graham scored his 36th international try in the opening five minutes, setting the tone for the hosts.

Scotland’s captain Sione Tuipulotu said: “The tournament is not over for us yet. We have an opportunity next week. Anything is possible now. We rallied behind our coach and we’re still in the championship.”

France Fight Back

France tried to rally late, scoring three tries in the final six minutes through Louis Bielle-Biarrey, Theo Attissogbe, Antoine Dupont, Thomas Ramos (2) and Oscar Jegou, narrowing the score but unable to prevent a Scottish bonus-point victory.

Coach Fabien Galthie will be concerned by two yellow cards and the team’s inability to withstand Scotland’s high-tempo attack. France remain favourites due to a +79 points difference, compared to Scotland’s +21, heading into the final round.

Historical Context

Scotland scored four tries against France in a Six Nations match for the first time since 1999, the year they last won the championship, a potential omen for the hosts.