France 34-21 Scotland
Reigning Six Nations champions France established themselves as the team to beat in this year’s tournament after an impressive victory over Scotland in Paris.
Marc Lievremont’s side scored four tries against a Scotland side that battled gamely throughout and, on the evidence of this display, could be a force in the competition this season.
The hosts got off to a perfect start and were ten points up in the first quarter after a lovely try from Maxine Medard, which was converted by Morgan Parra, and a drop goal from out-half Francois Trinh-Duc.
Alistair Kellock got Scotland back into the game with his first international try, but France regained control before the break with a penalty try after numerous infringements at the scrum by Scotland close to their own try-line.
France piled on the misery for Scotland just after the break when Imanol Harinordoquy crossed under the posts after being released by a wonderful backwards pass through his legs by Trinh-Duc.
Scotland never lied down, however, and were rewarded for their endeavour with a try by Kelly Brown, who crossed over after quick thinking by Mike Blair from a Scotland penalty.
Damien Traille scored France’s fourth try after a wonderful, flowing move involving Dimitri Yachvili and Clement Poitrenaud, but there was still time for another try from Scotland, courtesy of substitute Sean Lamont.
Yachvili kicked a penalty to seal a 13-point win for France ahead of their clash with Ireland in Dublin next weekend. Considering how lucky Ireland were to escape from Rome with a two-point victory, France’s performance does not bode well for next weekend, but hopefully the occasion of Ireland’s first Six Nations clash at the Aviva Stadium will help inspire a vastly-improved performance from Declan Kidney’s side.
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ podcast – listen to the latest episode now!
