Murrayfield heartbreak for Scotland after late no-try drama
How, Scotland, did you blow that? This team should come with a blood pressure warning.
Having played with fire when nearly blowing a huge lead in Cardiff the week before this time Scotland were scorched, despite having been the superior team throughout against a continually out-of-sorts France.
Yes, in the end Scotland were a clear camera angle away from snatching victory from the jaws of defeat, with one of the longest TMO reviews in history simply unable to show conclusively whether Sam Skinner had grounded the ball over the line. Was it a try? Almost certainly, but without enough evidence it simply could not be given and Scotland, perhaps fittingly given their failure to close the game out when it was in their hands, were crushed.
Of course the final call by TMO must have infuriated Gregor Townsend and his coaching staff, but so will the sense that Scotland were the better side by some margin over the course of the game, attacking with greater purpose and playing with far more control than France, only to come up short.
Their undoing was always going to be whether they had enough points on the scoreboard to show for their earlier efforts, turning down three possible shots at the posts at the end of the first half and coming away with nothing, apart from France going down to 14 players following a yellow card against Uini Atonio for a no-arms tackle on Matt Fagerson.
The cruel answer was that Scotland had not capitalised on their dominance, and France as a result sucker-punched Scotland through a superb chip-and-chase try by Louis Bielle-Biarrey to take the lead for the first time in the 70th minute to jolt their stuttering championship into life.
The healthy number of travelling French supporters inside Murrayfield were understandably indignant with a first-half decision to not penalise Duhan van der Merwe for either a high tackle or being offside – or perhaps both – after he stopped a charging Gael Fickou metres short of the line. In the end, that proved to not be the game’s great moment of controversy.
Finn Russell’s control of the game off the boot deserves recognition, in one of his best Tests, and the bite Scotland’s ball-carriers showed was the difference between the two sides when Scotland were on top, making more ground through their forwards – particularly George Turner and Matt Fagerson – along with their excellent centre Sione Tuipulotu.
Harry Paterson, drafted in late for a debut at full-back, was influential in Ben White’s opening try with a fine sidestep and offload, before the scrum-half somehow held off two tacklers as he slid over. Paterson’s debut came after Kyle Steyn’s wife had gone into labour, with the uncapped full-back getting the confirmation that he would be starting at 10 in the morning. Townsend glowingly described it as “one of the best debuts I’ve seen” from the 22-year-old, noting the quality of the opposition backline along with the wet conditions.
France are clearly working through a few issues, and while their problems do not all stem from the absence of Antoine Dupont and Romain Ntamack, given the gradual implementation of a fresh attacking system under new assistant Patrick Arlettaz and injuries in the second row, of course you are going to struggle without the world’s best player in Dupont on the field.
Their attack looked desperately flat save for two moments Patrick Arlettaz Bierre-Biarrey’s superb try, and capitalising after a turnover from Francois Cros to produce enough strong carries to suck in Scotland’s defence and give Gael Fickou, the eventual player of the match, an acre of space in which to score.
The second half was largely dismal, stacked with errors compared to the quality of the first 40, as France focussed on a long-range kicking strategy which stalled Scotland’s attacking momentum but did not have a major impact on the score itself until the end, only providing those absurd pauses in play before each kick as players stood like statues not wanting to be ruled offside. Townsend afterwards described it as “a terrible part of the game”, adding “we don’t want to be a team which takes part in that”.
The game desperately needed a thunderbolt of quality with Bielle-Bierrey answering the call, and when Ramos added a further three points off the boot suddenly France had a buffer and Scotland were short on time.
Now all seemed lost for Scotland until a threatening break from the lively Kyle Rowe, followed by brilliant pressure on Nolann Le Garrec at the back of a ruck by Russell to win the ball back and set up the concluding, chaotic attack which ultimately came to nothing.
Of course you can understand Scotland’s ire with the final decision, but this game as a whole will force them to ask significant questions internally about their struggles to close out the tight games which matter. Because otherwise, how can a clearly talented group become a genuine force? Having had so much control early on they then fell into France’s kicking-game trap and paid the price. Even with the enticing chance to put things right against England in a fortnight, this loss is going to bitterly hurt Scotland for some time.
Match details
Scoring sequence: 5-0 White try, 7-0 Russell con, 7-3 Ramos pen, 10-3 Russell pen, 13-3 Russell pen, 13-8 Fickou try, 13-10 Ramos con, 16-10 Russell pen, 16-15 Bielle-Bierrey try, 16-17 Ramos con, 16-20 Ramos pen
Scotland: H Paterson; K Rowe, H Jones (C Redpath 77), S Tuipulotu, D van der Merwe; F Russell (cc), B White; P Schoeman (A Hepburn 70), G Turner (E Ashman 69), Z Fagerson, G Gilchrist (S Skinner 74), S Cummings, M Fagerson (A Christie 40), R Darge (cc), J Dempsey
Not used: E Millar-Mills, G Horne, B Healy
France: T Ramos; D Penaud, G Fickou, J Danty (Y Moefana 63), L Bielle-Bierrey; M Jalibert, M Lucu (N Le Garrec 50); C Baille (S Taofifenua 58), P Mauvaka (J Marchand 49), U Atonio (D Aldegheri 58), C Woki (P Tuilagi 49), P Gabrillagues, F Cros (A Roumat 49), C Ollivon, G Alldritt (c, P Boudehent 50)
Referee: N Berry (AUS)
Attendance: 67,144
France just about edge Scotland in Edinburgh – as it happened
04:42 PM GMT
The crucial moment...
Scotland think the ball, seen here in the shadows in the centre, is grounded.
Nic Berry, the referee, isn’t so sure and sends it to the TMO.
Finn Russell is confident it’s a try and tells Berry as much knowing the match rests on the TMO decision.
The TMO decision goes with Berry’s on-field verdict of ‘not try as he cannot say whether it was grounded’ and France’s elation is clear to see.
For Scotland the pain is equally easy to see.
04:27 PM GMT
Former England captain Martin Johnson on the BBC
“I was glad I was not making the decision. Whatever you did there someone was going to be upset.
“Cruel for Scotland.”
04:23 PM GMT
Try or no try?
What do you think? Try or not try? Were Scotland denied victory by a bad decision or was it right to give it held up? You can have your say on that decision right at the death.
04:18 PM GMT
Former Wales captain Sam Warburton on the BBC
“To be fair, I think that is a try. I am 95% sure that is a try, but can we say that is 100% a try?
“We couldn’t, so we have to stick with Nic Berry’s on-field decision.”
04:14 PM GMT
No try and full-time
The try is not given and France win. I think that will create some debate. As Nic Berry had given it as held up on the field the TMO did not feel he had enough evidence to overturn that decision.
😮💨 Late drama in the Scottish capital
France take the victory 🙌#GuinnessM6N #SCOFRA pic.twitter.com/tm176WW92k— Guinness Men's Six Nations (@SixNationsRugby) February 10, 2024
04:12 PM GMT
Or not maybe?
The TMO is not convinced...
04:12 PM GMT
Still checking
It sounds like a try is going to be given...
04:11 PM GMT
TMO check
We are still checking and it looks like the ball might be on the ground but are the angles conclusive enough?
04:09 PM GMT
80 minutes: Scotland 16 France 20
Held up or try with the clock in the red? The on-field decision is held up and we go to the TMO...
04:07 PM GMT
79 minutes: Scotland 16 France 20
Scotland manage to win the ball back and are just metres out...
04:05 PM GMT
78 minutes: Scotland 16 France 20
Scotland have possession but only on halfway. They need a try to win the game. Rowe makes a great break from inside his own half and is hauled down around 10 metres out from France’s line. Rowe knocks on as he goes to ground and France will have a scrum near their line with 90 seconds to go.
04:03 PM GMT
Penalty France
Ramos is good from the tee and France lead by four points with three minutes to go.
🏴🇫🇷 Thomas Ramos donne 4 points d'avance aux Bleus. Allez il faut tenir !! 💪#ECOFRA #XVdeFrance #NeFaisonsXV #SixNations pic.twitter.com/eABC03I0ed
— France Rugby (@FranceRugby) February 10, 2024
04:03 PM GMT
76 minutes: Scotland 16 France 17
France win the line-out and get the maul going forward. They have the penalty advantage and go wide. Ramos kicks through trying to find Bielle-Biarrey in the corner but it just goes into touch. France will kick for goal to try to extend their lead to four points...
04:01 PM GMT
75 minutes: Scotland 16 France 17
France have a penalty on halfway as Scotland are penalised for contact in the air during the line-out.
04:00 PM GMT
74 minutes: Scotland 16 France 17
With conditions so terrible both sides are resorting to a lot of kicking, hoping the other team makes a mistake. Nerves aplenty inside Murrayfield.
03:57 PM GMT
Try France
It has not been the best of halves but that is a moment of high quality. Bielle-Biarrey, right on the left-hand touchline, kicks over the top and gets on the end of his own kick to slide over for the try. Ramos has a chance to give France the lead for the first time today and he does so.
🏴🇫🇷 OHHHHH l'essai de Louis Bielle-Biarrey qui tape par-dessus la défense écossaise et récupère le ballon pour l'aplatir !! Splendide 😍#ECOFRA #XVdeFrance #NeFaisonsXV #SixNations pic.twitter.com/ki8z3WOPp7
— France Rugby (@FranceRugby) February 10, 2024
😱 The chip over the top from Louis Bielle-Biarrey puts @FranceRugby ahead 🙌#GuinnessM6N #SCOFRA pic.twitter.com/6jOjn1XXrL
— Guinness Men's Six Nations (@SixNationsRugby) February 10, 2024
03:55 PM GMT
69 minutes: Scotland 16 France 10
France have a scrum inside the Scotland half after Russell kicks into Schoeman, who was ahead of him. Scotland have brought on hooker Ashman for Turner. The conditions at Murrayfield are not great to say the least.
03:54 PM GMT
67 minutes: Scotland 16 France 10
Penaud may well have got away with one there as it looks like he knocks on at his 22 and he basically stops, thinking he has knocked on. But referee Nic Berry deems it went backwards.
03:53 PM GMT
66 minutes: Scotland 16 France 10
Scotland have a penalty inside their own half as Fickou is penalised for playing the ball on the ground. They kick into the France half.
03:51 PM GMT
65 minutes: Scotland 16 France 10
It is rather nervy at the moment, with a lot of kick-tennis.
03:49 PM GMT
63 minutes: Scotland 16 France 10
Russell goes for an audacious drop-goal from long-range but his kick misses by a distance.
03:48 PM GMT
62 minutes: Scotland 16 France 10
Moefana has come on for Danty in the centres for France.
03:44 PM GMT
Penalty Scotland
Russell does land the easy penalty and Scotland’s lead is now six points.
03:43 PM GMT
56 minutes: Scotland 13 France 10
France have made a change at hooker as Marchand has come on for Mauvaka. Scotland win a penalty at the scrum and have another penalty for offside by Jalibert. It will be an easy kick for goal in front of the posts and Russell has pointed to the posts...
03:41 PM GMT
54 minutes: Scotland 13 France 10
France make a number of mistakes in quick succession and Scotland have now made huge distance down the field. They have a scrum not far outside the Scotland 22 after Penaud knocks on. An attacking launchpad for Russell et al.
03:38 PM GMT
52 minutes: Scotland 13 France 10
Penaud puts a great kick through close to the Scotland line which Bielle-Biarrey tries to get on the end of. Paterson does well under pressure and is not forced over his own line. Scotland then clear their lines to their 22.
03:36 PM GMT
50 minutes: Scotland 13 France 10
A worrying sight as the stretcher is out for Alldritt, who will not be able to continue. He is one of the best number eights in the world, so he will be a huge loss to France not just today but you would imagine for the rest of the tournament. That means not on the pitch for France at eight, nine and ten are Alldritt, Dupont and Ntamack.
Boudehent is coming on in his place and France are also making a change at scrum-half as Le Garrec replaces Lucu. Roumat has also come on for Woki.
03:32 PM GMT
50 minutes: Scotland 13 France 10
Scotland are looking threatening as they enter the France 22 but Alldritt comes up with a vital jackal at the breakdown and wins the penalty. He is now receiving treatment from the French medical staff.
03:30 PM GMT
49 minutes: Scotland 13 France 10
White thinks he has grounded the ball for a Scotland try but Penaud clearly got to it first. It will be a goalline drop-out.
03:29 PM GMT
48 minutes: Scotland 13 France 10
Huge mistake from Jalibert inside his own 22 from a Scotland kick in play gifts Scotland a scrum. Despite his protests, it was a knock-on and Scotland will have a scrum in a great position. Atonio is back on after his sin-bin. France have also brought on Posolo Tuilagi, son of Henry, into the second row. He is huge, and that is an understatement.
03:24 PM GMT
44 minutes: Scotland 13 France 10
It has been a scrappy start to the second half and the time on Atonio’s yellow card is ticking down, much to Scotland’s frustration and France’s joy.
03:19 PM GMT
Second half
We are back under way at Murrayfield. Just three points between the sides.
Scotland have made a change at the break as Christie has come on in the back-row for Matt Fagerson.
03:12 PM GMT
BBC crew debate van der Merwe/ Fickou incident
The team on BBC are debating whether it was a high tackle on Fickou by van der Merwe and then whether the Scotland winger was offside at the breakdown. Former England captain Martin Johnson is less than impressed with the decisions made and rightly so. The French will be furious with the officiating there and you can completely understand their anger.
03:09 PM GMT
HT verdict
Fan of Scotland’s ambition, but, they should be way further ahead and have turned down three shots at the posts there in the final few minutes before the break, coming away with nothing after that scrum penalty. It’s tight, and a cracking game.
03:05 PM GMT
Half-time
France win a penalty at the scrum and despite huge pressure on their own line they can kick the ball out of play and that is it for the first half.
The bunker review has ruled that Atonio’s yellow card will stay as a yellow. Considering how poor France have been in that first half they might not be too disappointed that they are only three points behind at the break.
🙌 Big 40 still to come in Edinburgh 💪#GuinnessM6N #SCOFRA pic.twitter.com/zsaCHJDA5H
— Guinness Men's Six Nations (@SixNationsRugby) February 10, 2024
03:02 PM GMT
39 minutes: Scotland 13 France 10
Another penalty for Scotland as France are penalised for offside. They opt for the scrum again.
03:02 PM GMT
38 minutes: Scotland 13 France 10
France have had to take off Bielle-Biarrey for Aldegheri with France’s starting tighthead prop Atonio in the bin. Scotland have taken the scrum, five metres out in front of the posts.
03:00 PM GMT
38 minutes: Scotland 13 France 10
Scotland have another penalty and referee Nic Berry is sending Atonio to the bin for a no-arms tackle. It has been sent for a bunker review, where they will decide if it should stay a yellow or be upgraded to a red. The TMO steps in there but did not earlier when van der Merwe was both offside and committed a high tackle on Fickou. Interesting...
02:58 PM GMT
37 minutes: Scotland 13 France 10
Scotland have a penalty just a few metres out from the France line after Jalibert is caught offside. Scotland are going to take a quick tap...
02:52 PM GMT
Try France
Coaches speak so often about the importance of the exit after you have just scored and Scotland have committed a cardinal sin. France turn it over and have a penalty advantage. After a few phases right on Scotland’s line they whip it wide to Fickou who goes over in the corner for France’s first try of the afternoon. It is a tough kick from out wide for Ramos but he nails the kick. The difference is just three points now.
🏴🇫🇷 𝐎𝐔𝐈 Gaël !! qui inscrit le premier essai des Bleus en coin à la suite d'un mouvement français ! 👊
13 - 08 I 31'#ECOFRA #XVdeFrance #NeFaisonsXV #SixNations pic.twitter.com/19e9qcSzw4— France Rugby (@FranceRugby) February 10, 2024
🔥 Fickou vs Scotland 🙌 #GuinnessM6N #SCOFRA @FranceRugby pic.twitter.com/GkBxxOgGVE
— Guinness Men's Six Nations (@SixNationsRugby) February 10, 2024
02:50 PM GMT
Penalty Scotland
Russell is good from the tee once again and Scotland’s lead is now 10 points.
30' | Finn makes it 3/3 from the boot.
🏴 13 - 3 🇫🇷#AsOne | #SCOvFRA pic.twitter.com/uiyQJvEe9K— Scottish Rugby (@Scotlandteam) February 10, 2024
02:49 PM GMT
28 minutes: Scotland 10 France 3
Scotland hooker Turner has passed his HIA and is back on for Ashman. France are penalised for offside from a Scotland line-out and Scotland will have another easy shot at three points on the France 22 in front of the posts...
02:47 PM GMT
27 minutes: Scotland 10 France 3
It will not be a 50-22 for Scotland but a great kick from Russell has pinned France deep into their 22. France’s line-out was messy but they are able to clear their lines.
02:44 PM GMT
25 minutes: Scotland 10 France 3
France go through the phases in and around the Scotland 22 but the hosts’ defence holds firm and win a scrum after a France knock-on.
Watching that France attack just now where they went side to side for no gain before knocking on - caused by a big tackle from Fagerson on Penaud - maybe the truth is you can cope without one of Dupont or Ntamack at half-back, but not both. No spark there for France, lacking depth and a bit of direction.
02:41 PM GMT
Penalty Scotland
Russell’s gets the easy three points and Scotland lead 10-3.
22' | Finn restores our 7-point lead,
🏴 10 - 3 🇫🇷#AsOne | #SCOvFRA pic.twitter.com/rWfaXxhky6— Scottish Rugby (@Scotlandteam) February 10, 2024
02:40 PM GMT
21 minutes: Scotland 7 France 3
The penalty is awarded to the home side and Scotland try to go quickly but Nic Berry is having none of that. The penalty is right in front of the posts just a few metres out to Russell will go for the easy three...
02:39 PM GMT
20 minutes: Scotland 7 France 3
Scotland win the line-out and get the maul going. It goes down but Scotland have maintained possession. Scotland are going through the phases a few metres out and they now have an advantage...
02:38 PM GMT
18 minutes: Scotland 7 France 3
Scotland make an early change as Turner is replaced by Ashman at hooker. Turner looked rather bemused but it is an head-injury assessment. Scotland have a penalty on the France 22 as Fickou did not roll away. Russell kicks for the corner instead of pointing to the posts.
02:37 PM GMT
16 minutes: Scotland 7 France 3
France think they are about to score as Fickou makes a great break. It is a clear seatbelt tackle from van der Merwe on Fickou just before the Scotland line, which goes unpunished. Van der Merwe then intercepts as Lucu goes quickly down the blindside and kicks downfield into France’s half. Looking at the replays he never got back onside but once again the TMO does not intervene. That is ridiculous. How has the TMO not come in there with either incident? That should not only have been a penalty to France, but a yellow card to van der Merwe. Mind-boggling.
02:33 PM GMT
13 minutes: Scotland 7 France 3
Nice touches from Paterson on debut building up to the Scotland try. Looked initially as though he had taken the wrong option not passing to Rowe, but fixing up Ramos with a step inside and then offloading out of the Fickou tackle was impressive and created the extra numbers.
02:31 PM GMT
Penalty France
It was a simple penalty for Ramos and he duly gets it to reduce Scotland’s lead to four points. 7-3.
🏴🇫🇷 Thomas Ramos débloque le compteur des Bleus sur pénalité ! 💪
07 - 03 I 12'#ECOFRA #XVdeFrance #NeFaisonsXV #SixNations pic.twitter.com/NuVaUpLxZB— France Rugby (@FranceRugby) February 10, 2024
02:30 PM GMT
11 minutes: Scotland 7 France 0
France get within a few metres of the Scotland line but referee Nic Berry goes back for a penalty for offside against Scotland. Ramos will kick for goal...
02:28 PM GMT
Try Scotland
Scotland get the first try of the afternoon. It originates from a France knock-on just inside their own half. Scotland whip it wide and it is the debutant Paterson who makes the break near the right-hand touchline. He cuts inside and offloads to Jones, who in turn passes inside to White who goes over for the try. Russell’s conversion is successful and Scotland lead 7-0.
8' | What a try! 🔥
🏴 5 - 0 🇫🇷#AsOne | #SCOvFRA pic.twitter.com/Ch2UXxiz8p— Scottish Rugby (@Scotlandteam) February 10, 2024
🤩 Top class from @ScotlandTeam 🔥
Ben White opens the scores in Edinburgh 🙌#GuinnessM6N #SCOFRA pic.twitter.com/0ElkPsZlaf— Guinness Men's Six Nations (@SixNationsRugby) February 10, 2024
02:24 PM GMT
5 minutes: Scotland 0 France 0
Jones looked like he was in some discomfort but he is back on his feet for the time being.
02:24 PM GMT
5 minutes: Scotland 0 France 0
Scotland have a line-out in and around the France 22 and go wide. They are into the France 22 but Darge knocks on and France can clear their lines.
We have a stoppage in play as Jones is receiving treatment on a lower leg injury.
02:22 PM GMT
4 minutes: Scotland 0 France 0
France are attacking down the blindside inside Scotland’s half but the hosts win the first penalty of the afternoon as France are penalised for holding on.
02:19 PM GMT
1 minute: Scotland 0 France 0
Debutant Paterson, who only found out he was playing this morning at 10am, takes his first high-ball which will settle down his nerves.
02:18 PM GMT
Kick-off
We are under way at Murrayfield. It is Scotland vs France.
02:12 PM GMT
Anthem time
Both sides have emerged from the tunnel, led by France winger Damian Penaud on his 50th cap. Before the anthems, Anne, Princess Royal, is introduced to the players.
Always an honour to welcome Scottish Rugby Patron, HRH The Princess Royal to @MurrayfieldStad.#AsOne pic.twitter.com/df64fNdHIT
— Scottish Rugby (@Scotlandteam) February 10, 2024
It is time for the national anthems, first ‘La Marseillaise’ followed by ‘Flower of Scotland’.
02:06 PM GMT
Reminder of the team news
Scotland: Paterson; Rowe, H Jones, Tuipulotu, Van der Merwe; Russell (co-capt), White; Schoeman, Turner, Z Fagerson, Gilchrist, Cummings, M Fagerson, Darge (co-capt), Dempsey.
Replacements: Ashman, Hepburn, Millar-Mills, Skinner, Christie, G Horne, Healy, Redpath.
France: Ramos, Penaud, Fickou, Danty, Bielle-Biarrey, Jailbert, Lucu; Baille Mauvaka, Antonio, Woki, Gabrillagues, Cros, Ollivon, Alldritt (capt).
Replacements: Marchand, Taofifenua, Aldegheri, Tuilagi, Roumat, Boudehent, Le Garrec, Moefana.
02:03 PM GMT
France defence coach Shaun Edwards speaking to the BBC
“We didn’t perform at our best last week. The first time we have let ourselves down in the past four years.
“Last week Ireland were far superior in every asset of the game, we need to improve and we have worked very hard to do that.”
On the atmosphere in the French camp:
“Determination. Some of the guys are unhappy with how they played themselves. There is always a backlash and we are here at Edinburgh in a beautiful city, but we are here on business.”
On Scotland:
“Not many weaknesses last week. I just watched the first half against Wales and they were outstanding.”
01:59 PM GMT
The 1975
If you are a fan of the music band The 1975, you will recognise the man on the right. It is bassist Ross MacDonald, showing his support for his country.
Great to have you with us, Ross 🎸🏴@the1975 | #AsOne pic.twitter.com/uGpyhDsSD9
— Scottish Rugby (@Scotlandteam) February 10, 2024
01:45 PM GMT
Scotland's final preparations
Final tune ups 🛠️
How are we feeling, Scotland fans? #AsOne pic.twitter.com/pkWDqIewW7— Scottish Rugby (@Scotlandteam) February 10, 2024
01:42 PM GMT
Inside the home dressing room
Set up and ready for action 🏴#AsOne pic.twitter.com/Yt7fIhPpZ1
— Scottish Rugby (@Scotlandteam) February 10, 2024
01:36 PM GMT
Gray and Crosbie out for rest of the Six Nations
Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend will not be able to call upon the services of Richie Gray and Luke Crosbie for the rest of the Six Nations after they were both ruled out of the tournament due to injury. Second row Gray has injured his bicep whilst Crosbie has a shoulder injury.
“Richie brings lots of experience. He’s great to work with and you see the energy and clarity he brings to the group. He will be sorely missed,” said defence coach Steve Tandy.
“Luke has fought so hard to get to the international scene. You see the warrior he is on the field, but there is also the character he is and how he leads in and around the training environment, how he speaks in meetings.
01:31 PM GMT
Match predictions
How do you think today’s game at Murrayfield will go? Will Scotland make it back-to-back wins to start the 2024 Six Nations or can France bounce back from a heavy home defeat to Ireland in Marseille? Remember you can have your say on this afternoon’s match.
01:27 PM GMT
Visitors arriving
🤩🇫🇷 La 𝑴𝒂𝒓𝒔𝒆𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒂𝒊𝒔𝒆 déjà à Murrayfield ! Nos Bleus sont arrivés ! 📍🏟️
🚍 @RATPgroup #ECOFRA #XVdeFrance #NeFaisonsXV #SixNations pic.twitter.com/Jwp5G8Kb9t— France Rugby (@FranceRugby) February 10, 2024
01:26 PM GMT
Home side arriving
In the house 🏠#AsOne pic.twitter.com/c47k4RGunq
— Scottish Rugby (@Scotlandteam) February 10, 2024
01:26 PM GMT
Willemse banned
France second row Paul Willemse has been banned for two Six Nations games after his red card against Ireland in the opening round of the 2024 Six Nations. In the first half of that match in Marseille, he had already received a yellow card before he was given a second yellow, which was then upgraded to a red card after a bunker review.
Willemse was found guilty of two acts of foul play which resulted in a four and three-week bans. However, it was deemed “disproportionate” for the buns to run consecutively. His four-week ban can be reduced to three weeks if he completes tackle school.
01:20 PM GMT
France team news
Head coach Fabien Galthié makes two changes from the defeat to Ireland. On the wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey replaces Yoram Moefana and in the second row with Paul Willemse banned Cameron Woki comes into the starting XV.
France: Ramos, Penaud, Fickou, Danty, Bielle-Biarrey, Jailbert, Lucu; Baille Mauvaka, Antonio, Woki, Gabrillagues, Cros, Ollivon, Alldritt (capt).
Replacements: Marchand, Taofifenua, Aldegheri, Tuilagi, Roumat, Boudehent, Le Garrec, Moefana.
🏴🇫🇷 Rendez-vous samedi 15h15 𝒂̀ 𝑴𝒖𝒓𝒓𝒂𝒚𝒇𝒊𝒆𝒍𝒅 ! 💪#ECOFRA #XVdeFrance #NeFaisonsXV pic.twitter.com/KqF7N5gVTW
— France Rugby (@FranceRugby) February 8, 2024
01:14 PM GMT
Scotland team news
Scotland co-captain Rory Darge returns from injury to start in the back-row. Jack Dempsey also comes into the starting XV at number eight. The injured Luke Crosbie and Jamie Ritchie drop out. In the second row the injured Richie Gray is replaced by Grant Gilchrist.
Scotland have been forced into some late adjustments. Kyle Steyn has had to drop out as his wife has gone into labour. So Kyle Rowe switches to the wing and Harry Paterson comes in to make his debut at full-back.
Scotland: Paterson; Rowe, H Jones, Tuipulotu, Van der Merwe; Russell (co-capt), White; Schoeman, Turner, Z Fagerson, Gilchrist, Cummings, M Fagerson, Darge (co-capt), Dempsey.
Replacements: Ashman, Hepburn, Millar-Mills, Skinner, Christie, G Horne, Healy, Redpath.
Squad change:
Harry Paterson will make his debut this afternoon for Scotland at full-back.
Kyle Steyn is out of the squad with his wife in labour, due to give birth.
Kyle Rowe moves to the wing.#AsOne pic.twitter.com/OOBuuWFouk— Scottish Rugby (@Scotlandteam) February 10, 2024
More disruption for Scotland at full-back in Blair Kinghorn’s absence. Kyle Steyn’s wife is in labour, which means Kyle Rowe moves to the wing and the uncapped Harry Paterson comes in at 15.
The 22-year-old has made five appearances for Edinburgh this season, of which the most recent came against Gloucester in the Challenge Cup.
Harry Paterson will be the first Scotland starting debut at fullback in Five/Six Nations since Gavin Hastings v France 1986
— Russ Petty (@rpetty80) February 10, 2024
01:09 PM GMT
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01:06 PM GMT
Live from Murrayfield
Grey but dry so far at Murrayfield. Bumped into Serge Betsen while entering the ground, the former France and Wasps flanker now working for French television, who is backing France to win. Their record here is actually not great - France have won two of the last seven meetings at Murrayfield going back to 2016.
Also, haggis is on the media room menu - excited to see the French press corps’ reaction to that.
01:01 PM GMT
Match preview
Scotland are looking to make it back-to-back victories to start the 2024 Six Nations as they take on France at Murrayfield this afternoon. In last year’s Six Nations, they won their opening two games for the first time in the competition.
Scotland were victorious in their opening match, but only just in the end. They were 27-0 up a few minutes into the second half against Wales and looked like winning the game with consummate ease. Wales then scored 26 unanswered points as Scotland held on to win by just the one point to secure their first victory in Cardiff in 22 years.
Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend knows the challenge facing his side this afternoon against a French team reeling from defeat.
“France will bring physicality, they will go for it in the set-pieces, the scrum and the maul. They play really close to the forwards, so whether it’s playing off (number) nine or the pick and go, they’re a strong carrying team.
“We will have to get to each ruck in quick time to get them off the ball and allow us to play our quick game.”
France’s campaign begun with a 38-17 home defeat to reigning Grand Slam champions Ireland in Marseille. They were not helped by Paul Willemse’s first half red card as they fell to their heaviest home defeat in 110 years of the competition.
France head coach Fabien Galthie is backing his players to bounce back from the defeat to Ireland.
“The players have to feel our trust, and we feel their trust. The idea we had as a coaching staff and leaders’ group was to keep the same backbone to the team.
“It’s been our project since we’ve been in charge to have solidarity within the squad and the team in good and bad times.”
The last time the sides met at Murrayfield in 2022 France were victorious, winning 36-17.