France did not quite hit the heights of their Dublin demolition last weekend, but Les Bleus did enough on a nervy night in Paris to clinch a second Six Nations title in four years – and kill off England’s faint hopes of a trophy-lift in Cardiff.
After Steve Borthwick’s side had done all they could against Wales to surge to the top of the championship table, France knew that a win of any kind against Scotland would send them back into first place and guarantee the title. In the end, the victory was secured in bonus-point, record-breaking style – tying England’s seven Six Nations championship wins, too – but it was nowhere near as emphatic nor attractive as it might have been.
Still, job done and all without talismanic captain Antoine Dupont, a long-term absentee with a serious knee injury sustained in the victory over Ireland.
This French golden generation smashed records – gauche, droite and centre – on the way to a title which looked beyond their reach a little over a week ago, but an inescapable sense of frustration somewhat clouds the victory.
Oh, what might have been. This is a side and a squad which is streets ahead of the rest in the Six Nations. Look at last weekend’s Dublin demolition for surefire proof. And yet a lack of mental application thwarted Grand Slam greatness. Admittedly, France showed grit and steel to clinch the title after the lackadaisical loss at Twickenham – Les Bleus giving Devon Loch a run for its money with the try-line beckoning in the defeat to England – and in some respects the trophy-lifting is an improbable one; but, truly, this was a great opportunity missed for a great rugby nation.
And yet, history will remember France as emphatic, record-smashing winners: the most tries in a single championship; Louis Bielle-Biarrey breaking the Six Nations try record with eight and equalling the all-time championship record; and Thomas Ramos becoming the all-time French points scorer.
Scoring sequence
3-0 Ramos pen, 8-0 Moefana try, 10-0 Ramos con, 10-3 Russell pen, 13-3 Ramos pen, 13-8 Graham try, 13-10 Russell con, 13-13 Russell pen, 16-13 Ramos pen, 21-13 Bielle-Biarrey try, 23-13 Ramos con, 23-16 Russell pen, 28-16 Ramos try, 30-16 Ramos con, 35-16 Moefana try.
H-T: 16-13
France: T Ramos; D Penaud, G Fickou, Y Moefana, L Bielle-Biarrey; R Ntamack, M Lucu (Le Garrec 74); J-B Gros (Baille 46), P Mauvaka (Marchand 22, Mauvaka 31, Marchand 46), U Atonio (Aldegheri 46), T Flament (Auradou 74), M Guillard (Meafou 46), F Cros, P Boudehent (Jegou 46), G Alldritt (c) (Jelonch 46).
Yellow cards: Mauvaka, Gros.
Scotland: B Kinghorn; D Graham, H Jones (McDowall 66), T Jordan, D van der Merwe; F Russell (cc), B White (Dobie 66); P Schoeman (Sutherland 66), D Cherry (Ashman 57), Z Fagerson, G Brown (Sykes 57), G Gilchrist (Johnson 72), J Ritchie, R Darge (cc) (Muncaster 66), M Fagerson.
Replacement unused: Hurd.
Yellow card: Ritchie
Referee: M Carley
10:30 PM GMT
Thanks for joining us
That brings an end to our coverage of France’s victory over Scotland as they clinched a seventh Six Nations title in emphatic fashion in Paris. Thanks for joining us!
10:27 PM GMT
‘I’m just as happy as if we’d won the Slam’, says Edwards
France defence coach Shaun Edwards won his 250th rugby union international as a coach tonight in what he describes as a “special night for myself”.
“The stars aligned for me tonight,” Edwards told ITV.
“We showed resilience in defence second half, when we only conceded three points.
“We defended really well against Ireland but kind of went off it for the last five minutes, but today we were on it for the full 80.”
On Louis Bielle-Biarrey, Edwards said: “Since the World Cup in 2023 he has gotten better and better, and hopefully he gets better again. He is a sensational athlete, a wonderful guy.”
Discussing whether there are regrets over not winning the Grand Slam, he said: “I feel just as happy as if it was a Grand Slam because it shows we had great resilience to come back from losing a game.”
10:24 PM GMT
Have your say
10:22 PM GMT
The final standings
So there we have it, France edge out England and Ireland to claim the title as Wales collect a second successive Wooden Spoon.
Here’s how the final table looks for the 2025 Six Nations.
10:20 PM GMT
WATCH: France lift the trophy
10:19 PM GMT
How did today’s game affect your Lions team?
Pick your 37-man Lions squad.
10:18 PM GMT
French squad is ‘really tight-knit’, says Beattie
Former Scotland back row Johnnie Beattie has said on ITV: “A lot of my team-mates in the past found the French set-up a chore. They were not fun to watch.
“But this generation, typified by Antoine Dupont, are a really tight-knit squad and play great rugby.
“There was a power struggle between the clubs and union which is better now than ever. There are more young French kids playing in the Top 14 league, winning U20s championships and converting that to Test level.”
10:12 PM GMT
France lift the Six Nations trophy
Dupoint and Alldritt share the honours of lifting the trophy before each player has their moment lifting the silverware, with a huge cheer greeting each one.
It’s then time for the fireworks and the Stade de France is having a real party now.
10:08 PM GMT
Presentation underway
The trophy presentation is now underway as the French players go up one-by-one to receive their medals to huge cheers as their names are called out in the stadium.
Antoine Dupont gets a particularly loud roar from the crowd.
10:07 PM GMT
France’s heavy scoring
France have broken the record for the amount of tries in a Six Nations campaign, scoring 30 across the tournament.
Meanwhile, young winger Bielle-Biarrey has set the record for an individual player in a single tournament with eight tries to his name in this year’s championship.
10:05 PM GMT
‘We are so happy’, says Moefana
France centre and player of the match Yoram Moefana has told ITV: “It was a very tough game, Scotland is a big team and I want to say thank you to the team because we were fighting with Scotland from start to finish. It’s amazing.
“We are happy on the field and play our game. We want to take the pressure and go for tries.
“It’s so bad for Antoine he was injured, but we wanted to fight in this game for him. We did, and we are so happy.”
10:03 PM GMT
Scotland ‘played bravely’, says Hastings
Speaking on ITV, former Scotland player Scott Hastings said: “Scotland played bravely once again. They moved the ball so well. Kinghorn is a star rising.
“They are going to have to work out how to execute closer to the line under pressure.”
10:02 PM GMT
WATCH: France clinch title
10:01 PM GMT
Victory for France
09:59 PM GMT
Final standings
France’s bonus-point victory means they finish top of the standings on points, one ahead of England and two ahead of Ireland.
As for Scotland, they remain on 11 points as they finish in fourth. Another disappointing campaign from a group of players with so much promise.
09:55 PM GMT
FRANCE ARE CHAMPIONS!
Full time: France 35 Scotland 16
France push for one final try but eventually decide they will just get it over and done with as Ntamack kicks into touch and France have their seventh Six Nations title and their first since 2022.
Scotland certainly provided a tough test and were so slick in the attack at times but France’s power in the maul and ruthlessness in the 22 proved crucial, making it look comfortable in the end.
09:53 PM GMT
80 mins: France 35 Scotland 16
Ramos’ crossfield kick runs into touch but play is brought back as Fagerson is penalised for an infringement in the scrum and the home side kick for the corner for one last push for the line from the line-out.
Scotland disrupt the maul well this time but France continue to come forward.
09:51 PM GMT
79 mins: France 35 Scotland 16
There is a TMO check over whether Sutherland tries to lift Cros illegally in the ruck but the referee decides there was no foul play and play resumes with the scrum on the Scottish 22.
09:49 PM GMT
78 mins: France 35 Scotland 16
Ritchie is penalised as he contests the high ball with Penaud, who stays down for a moment. He is shortly back on his feet and France can clear into touch down their right.
They have the knock-on advantage from the line-out and play is quickly brought back by the referee for the scrum.
09:46 PM GMT
74 mins: France 35 Scotland 16
In an eighth visit into the French 22, Sutherland is penalised as Marchand forces the foul and Scotland fail to capitalise on their possession and territory once again.
France are penalised for an offside in the Scottish half and Scotland can kick into touch down their left. Can they make this a nervous ending in Paris?
09:42 PM GMT
72 mins: France 35 Scotland 16
Scotland earn the penalty and France are warned about the amount of fouls they are committing. The visitors take it quickly and drive to within a couple metres of the line.
They drive over the line but France manage to hold them up and the hosts show their superb defensive qualities once again.
09:40 PM GMT
70 mins: France 35 Scotland 16
Ramos and Penaud tackle van der Merwe into touch after a floaty pass out to the winger from Kinghorn.
Moments later though, and a sharp Scottish attack frees Van der Merwe beyond the defensive line but he is tackled as is Graham following the offload.
09:38 PM GMT
Taking no risks at the Principality
At the Principality, where a number of brave journalists are watching France pull away from Scotland, some equally brave staff have assembled a stage for rehearsals just in case England do need to be presented with the trophy.
09:36 PM GMT
67 mins: France 35 Scotland 16
That is France’s 30th try of the campaign, which is a Six Nations record, taking over England’s tally of 29 in 2001.
Scotland continue to come forward with intensity. As they get into the 22, Bielle-Biarrey slams Russell with a huge tackle and the Scotland man catches his team-mate Jones in the face with a flailing boot.
Following a TMO check, it was ruled to be a lifting tackle from the Italian, taking Russell beyond horizontal and Scotland have the penalty.
09:32 PM GMT
TRY! Moefana crosses as France get one hand on the trophy
France 35 Scotland 16 (Moefana) France coming forward once again, and earn the knock-on advantage as they get into the Scottish 22 .They don’t need it though!
As they shift the ball out to the left, Bielle-Biarrey shows his pace and power once again to break the line before offloading to Fickou, who swiftly moves it on to Moefana and he powers over the line in the corner.
That’s a four-try bonus point and even without the Ramos conversion, it’s a 19-point lead.
09:26 PM GMT
TRY! Ramos takes France 14 points clear
France 30 Scotland 16 (Ramos) France maul strongly from the line-out in the corner down the right before they spray it out to the left and Ramos has the time and space to dart for the line.
That maul has just been so effective for the hosts tonight. The full-back converts and France’s lead is up to 14 points. A big task now for Scotland.
09:24 PM GMT
57 mins: France 23 Scotland 16
Scotland give up the foul at the breakdown and France resort to the line-out and maul tactic and it works incredible effectively as they go within 10 metres.
France are just a few of metres shy of the line as it’s worked to Ramos down the right but Scotland can force him into touch. The referee says the tackle had already been completed though and France have the penalty. They kick into the corner.
09:22 PM GMT
54 mins: France 23 Scotland 16
France manage to claim possession at the restart but Ritchie forces the foul at the breakdown. Russell fails to find touch though with the kick and France can come forward.
The ball is sprayed out to Penaud but Van der Merwe sweeps up the kick and chase and has the confidence to fend off the tackle beyond his own try-line and Russell clears. There is a great intensity to this game now.
09:19 PM GMT
Penalty! Russell reduces deficit to seven points
France 23 Scotland 16 (Russell) The ball runs loose as Scotland go within 10 metres but the play is brought back and Scotland will kick for the posts.
Finn Russell, who is running the show at the start of this second half, converts with ease and it’s back to seven points.
09:18 PM GMT
50 mins: France 23 Scotland 13
France’s fresh legs show their worth, driving the home side over halfway in the maul but Scotland soak up the pressure and hold the ball up to force the foul.
Russell goes on a superb line-breaking run to take Scotland into the French 22. He feeds Graham but he is tackled well. Scotland soon have the penalty advantage though as they pile on the pressure.
09:15 PM GMT
48 mins: France 23 Scotland 13
Here come the French changes in the front pack, will Scotland be able to cope with the fresh legs?
Scotland continue to come forward with the same intensity but Kinghorn’s kick has too much on it, travelling straight into touch.
09:12 PM GMT
TRY! Bielle-Biarrey deals big blow to Scotland
France 23 Scotland 13 (Bielle-Biarrey) Just as Scotland were looking so impressive, they suffer a sucker-punch. Graham can’t gather Russell’s reverse pass following the fly-half’s dart to the right flank and France can break.
Ntamack can scoop the ball up and drives into the Scottish half before finding the supportiong Bielle-Biarrey, who shows his pace to do the final part and cross for France.
Ramos converts once again and the lead is back up to 10.
09:09 PM GMT
43 mins: France 16 Scotland 13
Scotland pick up where they left off, starting this second half really strongly, dominating in the collisions and in possession.
09:06 PM GMT
41 mins: France 16 Scotland 13
We are back underway at the Stade de France with Kinghorn and Scotland kicking things off going from left to right.
Will France protect their lead and claim the title or will Scotland spoil the party?
09:02 PM GMT
Mauvaka ‘very lucky’ not to see red, says Beattie
Discussing Mauvaka’s yellow card on ITV, former Scotland back row Johnnie Beattie said: “You can’t fly across the ground and headbutt someone. We do not want to see that in our sport.
“Ramos starts the entire thing, and Mauvaka lunging at someone head first, he is very lucky that hasn’t been upgraded to a red card.”
08:58 PM GMT
WATCH: Scotland denied incredible try
08:57 PM GMT
As it stands
If things were to stay as they are, France would be going top of the standings, level on points with England but ahead on points difference.
08:53 PM GMT
Half-time: France 16 Scotland 13
That was the last action of the first half and France will be mightily relieved to be going into the break ahead. A really entertaining 40 minutes of action and teed up nicely for the second period.
08:52 PM GMT
Disallowed try! Scotland denied fantastic score
France 16 Scotland 13 (Jordan) France kick long and Kinghorn can collect. The full-back then has time to get his legs going and he goes on a marauding run through the French defence up towards the 22. Incredible run!
The ball is worked back inside and Russell can offload to Jordan making the powerful run through and he holds off the French challenges to cross for Scotland.
Hang on though, TMO are checking whether Kinghorn stayed in touch but replays suggest he didn’t manage to do so and the try is disallowed. Huge blow!
08:48 PM GMT
Penalty! Ramos restores France’s lead
France 16 Scotland 13 (Ramos) Atonio manages to earn a foul in the breakdown from Cherry and France have an opportunity to restore their lead.
Ramos continues his perfect record for the evening from the tee and converts with ease from under the posts.
08:46 PM GMT
Penalty! Russell brings Scotland level as Gros sees yellow
France 13 Scotland 13 (Gros) Following the scrum, Scotland shift it out to the right. Russell spills it but it goes backwards and he can offload to Kinghorn who finds a gap and stretches his legs to go within five or ten metres.
Scotland earn four penalty advantages and eventually, after 17 phases, play is brought back by the referee. Gros sees yellow from the accumulation of fouls inside the 22 – he was penalised for a high tackle.
Russell steps up and converts from under the posts sending Scotland level!
08:40 PM GMT
33 mins: France 13 Scotland 10
Kinghorn has his low kick charged but, fortunately for him, France are penalised for being offside and Scotland can come forward once again.
As Scotland shift the ball to the left, Fickou reads Russell’s square pass and would have a great chance to counter but he knocks it on and Scotland have the scrum just outside the French 22.
08:38 PM GMT
TRY! Graham gets Scotland within reach of hosts
France 13 Scotland 10 (Graham) They’re right back in it! Jones and Darge both drive well to get Scotland into the French 22.
Russell then plays a clever, delayed pass inside to Graham making the line-breaking run and he manages to stay on his feet despite a couple of French tackles to cross for Scotland’s first try of the evening.
Russell converts and Scotland get themselves back in touching distance of France.
08:35 PM GMT
28 mins: France 13 Scotlad 3
The referee confirms that Mauvaka’s yellow will remain a yellow due to the level of danger not being high. Relief for the hosts.
08:34 PM GMT
Mauvake decision pivotal to title ambitions
We await to see the bunker’s decision on that needless Peato Mauvaka missile, but if they do deem it to be a deliberate flying headbutt then we could see a full red card dished out. That would be a real spanner in the works for France’s title ambitions.
08:33 PM GMT
Penalty! Ramos extends lead with record-breaking kick
France 13 Scotland 3 (Ramos) France drive well following the scrum and go to within a metre of the line. After a number of attacking phases, Gilchrist is penalised for being offside and the hosts will take the points.
Ramos makes it three from three as he converts from under the posts to become the leading points scorer in French history. A great achievement.
08:30 PM GMT
24 mins: France 10 Scotland 3
Lucu knocks a grubber kick towards the try-line and looks set to get on the end of it but White recovers incredibly to dive back and reach ahead of Lucu to prevent the try.
France now have the scrum though just five metres out and it’s another great attacking opportunity.
08:29 PM GMT
Penalty! Russell gets Scotland on the scoreboard
France 10 Scotland 3 (Russell) Following the yellow card, Scotland have the penalty from underneath the posts and Russell makes no mistakes in getting the visitors on the scoreboard.
08:27 PM GMT
Yellow card! Mauvaka into the sin bin for reckless reaction
France 10 Scotland 0 (Mauvaka) Graham chases a kick superbly and wins a foul in the breakdown. Scotland take it quickly but as they go to within a few metres of the line, they give up the penalty.
It all boils over for a moment as White and Mauvaka come together and the TMO is checking whether there was an foul play from Mauvaka.
Replays show that Ramos pushed White, causing him to trip over Mauvaka, who then goes flying into White, instigating head-to-head contact. The Frenchman sees yellow and there is going to be a check for whether it could be a 20-minute red.
08:23 PM GMT
TRY! Moefana crosses for first try of the evening
France 10 Scotland 0 (Moefana) With France pressing on the Irish 22, Fickou produces a wonderful step to break the visitors’ defensive line before offloading to Moefana who fends off the challenge to reach the line.
Ramos converts from under the posts. A really ominous start to the game for Scotland - and England.
08:20 PM GMT
17 mins: France 3 Scotland 0
Scotland can clear through White’s box-kick but it’s quickly coming back as Ramos collects. They are just going have to weather this storm while they’re down to 14.
08:18 PM GMT
15 mins: France 3 Scotland 0
France kick for the corner, and following the first line-out, they earn yet another penalty. Once again, it’s kicked right into the corner down that left flank.
Jordan does really well though to win the foul as France maul for the line and Scotland have the scrum, just ahead of their try-line.
08:16 PM GMT
Yellow card! Ritchie goes into the sin bin
France 3 Scotland 0 (Ritchie) Ritchie is penalised in the breakdown for not rolling away from the tackle and it’s another penalty for France, just inside their own half. They find touch right on the 22.
From the line-out, that French maul is coming once again. They quickly have the advantage but the referee soon calls the foul and Ritchie goes in the sin bin for bringing the maul down.
08:13 PM GMT
10 mins: France 3 Scotland 0
Scotland win the foul in the breakdown and have their first chance to attack as they find touch down their right. As they work it out to left they make up really good ground, getting into the French 22 but the ball is spilt by Graham, making the line-breaking run and France can counter.
Ntamack charges up to halfway and looks to go alone but is tackled well. Despite managing to get the offload off, the move quickly breaks down with a French knock-on.
08:10 PM GMT
8 mins: France 3 Scotland 0
White’s kick is charged down and despite retrieving it, Scotland are under pressure and are quickly turned over by Atonio on the edge of their 22.
France move it swiftly out to the right but Moefana’s grubber kick in behind has too much weight on it and runs out of play.
08:07 PM GMT
Penalty! France take an early lead
France 3 Scotland 0 (Ramos) France maul well following the line-out and soon earn the penalty as they reach the 22.
They opt to kick for the posts and Ramos gets the scoreboard going, firing straight down the middle. Very strong start from the hosts.
08:05 PM GMT
3 mins: France 0 Scotland 0
The early pressure comes from France but Scotland look strong defensively and can force Flament into touch.
The line-out is sloppy though and France can return the favour, forcing Cherry into touch and winning the line-out in the Scottish half.
08:02 PM GMT
1 min: France 0 Scotland 0
Following a passionate rendition of each anthem, we are underway in Paris with France kicking things off going from left to right.
England’s Matthew Carley is the man in the middle, assisted by Karl Dickson (England) and Eoghan Cross (Ireland) running the lines, with South Africa’s Marius van der Westhuizen the TMO.
07:57 PM GMT
Quite the occasion in Paris
As ever, the Stade de France is a picture. Pyros, spotlights, flames; without a ball even having been kicked. France’s Eurovision entry will be performing at half-time, too. As Allez Les Bleus rings around Saint-Denis, let’s hope the pomp and circumstance is not all in vain.
Or, if you are English, let’s make sure it is!
07:57 PM GMT
Kick-off approaching
As an impressive light display unfolds, fitting of the occasion, the players of France and Scotland emerge from the tunnel onto the field at the Stade de France.
The action is just moments away, but first - the national anthems.
07:54 PM GMT
Current standings
A reminder of how the standings look heading into this evening’s game. A France win earns them the title. Anything else and the title is England’s.
07:52 PM GMT
French bench a ‘mental challenge’ Scotland, says Townsend
When asked by ITV how Scotland plan to cope with France’s seven forwards waiting on the bench, he says: “We went against something similar when we played South Africa in November.
“It’s a mental challenge as well as a physical one to say, ‘okay seven fresh forwards’, but they’ve got to get up to the speed of game we are playing and we have players who can come on too.”
07:48 PM GMT
A fortress
Les Bleus have lost just once in 15 Tests at the Stade de France. One more win will earn them a seventh Six Nations title, equalling England’s all-time record.
07:46 PM GMT
Have your say
07:45 PM GMT
‘Scotland are our bogey team’, says Edwards
Speaking to ITV ahead of kick-off, France’s defence coach Shaun Edwards has said: “We’re under no illusions it will be in any way easy.
“Scotland have been our bogey team the past four or five years.”
On the injured Antoine Dupont, he adds: “We want to win it for Antoine. If it happens, I’m sure he’ll be up there lifting the trophy with Greg Alldritt.”
07:42 PM GMT
Trophy presentations
If France beat Scotland tonight, they win the title and would receive the trophy on the field at the Stade de France.
But if at half-time it’s looking like they might be beaten, England will leave their team hotel and return to the Principality Stadium.
And if Steve Borthwick’s side do become champions, they will be presented with the trophy on the pitch once the action is over in Paris, at around 10pm (GMT).
07:39 PM GMT
Ongoing dispute over Dupont’s season-ending injury
France’s victory over Ireland saw them become tournament favourites, but Antoine Dupont’s season-ending knee injury dominated the headlines.
As the France captain was attempting to steal the ball, he was challenged by Tadhg Beirne, who then fell on to the scrum-half’s right leg as Ireland prop Andrew Porter joined the ruck.
Despite the pair avoiding sanctions in the game, France coach Fabien Galthie described the actions of Beirne and Porter as “reprehensible”.
Galthie reported the Ireland duo to the match’s citing commissioner but no action has been taken against them.
07:35 PM GMT
The scene in Paris
07:32 PM GMT
Heavy-scoring France
France have scored a national record 26 tries in this year’s tournament. Four more would set an overall Six Nations record, beating England’s total of 29 in 2001.
Louis Bielle-Biarrey needs one more try to become the highest scorer in a Six Nations tournament – he’s scored seven so far, level with Jacob Stockdale’s record total set with Ireland in 2018.
07:28 PM GMT
Scotland tough to beat on the road
Despite Scotland losing their last three Six Nations away Tests, they have all been by four points or fewer.
07:24 PM GMT
Russell regrets missed kicks
Scotland fly-half Finn Russell said on Friday that victory in Paris would make the this year’s Six Nations a “decent enough” tournament, but still has regrets over his kicking game against England.
“If we get a win tomorrow, then we’d probably look back at one of my kicks that could have had us winning the title,” Russell said after kicking practice at Stade de France.
“I think the England game is probably the one that got away, which for me personally is really frustrating. I think we all know why.
“But if we can finish up with a win this weekend – the frustration for the England game would still be there, obviously – I think we could look back at this tournament as a decent enough tournament.
“If we get a win, it’ll be brilliant, obviously, to finish on a high. Building for the future as well, if we manage to get a win over here, it’s a good stepping stone to get the kick-on from there.”
07:20 PM GMT
Another disappointing Scottish tournament
As for Scotland, expected wins over Italy and Wales have come on either side of defeats against Ireland and England as they head for another disappointing Six Nations finish with what has been dubbed a golden generation.
The loss at Twickenham was a particularly sore one for Gregor Townsend’s side as they lost by a point with Finn Russell missing the chance to win the game with a last-minute conversion.
07:16 PM GMT
France’s campaign so far
Coming into Super Saturday, France had scored 11 more tries than any other side in this year’s Six Nations, and this heavy scoring started with their 43-0 victory over Wales on the opening night of the tournament.
Their only defeat came in a narrow 26-25 loss away to England in their second game of the campaign, but they quickly returned to rampant form, scoring a total of 115 points in their convincing victories over Italy and Ireland.
07:11 PM GMT
Head to head
France have won 20 of the previous 25 Six Nations clashes with Scotland, losing the other five.
The Scots have registered just one win in 12 Six Nations visits to France, which came behind closed doors in 2021.
07:07 PM GMT
Eyes on the prize
07:04 PM GMT
France ‘biggest challenge in world rugby’, says Townsend
Gregor Townsend says facing title-chasing France in the Six Nations in Paris is “probably the biggest challenge right now in world rugby”.
“I think when you put all the factors together, the French team at home are always a huge challenge,” said Townsend.
“The way they’re playing, even in their defeat they scored a lot of points and could have scored a number more at Twickenham.
“They’re playing a game of rugby that’s really producing points and scores. They’re physical, they’re bringing a fresh pack on at some stage in the second half and they’re going for the title.
“It’s a great game to go up against one of the best teams in the world at home.”
07:01 PM GMT
Galthie on title hopes
France head coach Fabien Galthie on having a title shot in their own hands: “It’s our supreme objective, it’s what we wanted and what we succeeded in doing.
“It’s an ambition that is becoming a reality, it’s the goal.”
06:57 PM GMT
Tonight’s teams in full
France: Ramos, Penaud, Fickou, Moefana, Bielle-Biarrey; Ntamack, Lucu; Gros, Mauvaka, Atonio, Flament, Guillard, Cros, Alldritt (captain), Boudehent.
Replacements: Marchand, Baille, Aldegheri, Auradou, Meafou, Jegou, Jelonch, Le Garrec.
Scotland: Kinghorn, Graham, Jones, Jordan, Van der Merwe; Russell (co-captain), White; Schoeman, Cherry, Z Fagerson, Brown, Gilchrist, Ritchie, Darge (co-captain), M Fagerson
Replacements: Ashman, Sutherland, Hurd, Johnson, Sykes, Muncaster, Dobie, McDowall.
06:53 PM GMT
Current standings
Following England’s victory and Ireland’s scrappy 22-17 win over Italy earlier today, here is how the table is shaping up ahead of kick-off in Paris.
06:50 PM GMT
England hammer Wales to sixth-place
England have scored 10 tries in their 68-14 hammering of Wales to go top of the Six Nations standings ahead of France’s clash with Scotland.
Steve Borthwick’s side are now a point ahead of Ireland in second, and four points clear of the French.
As for Wales, they suffer a 17th successive Test defeat, an 11th successive Six Nations defeat and collect a second successive Wooden Spoon.
06:47 PM GMT
Townsend make two changes
Gregor Townsend has made two changes to the Scotland team which started in the win over Wales as Gregor Brown and Matt Fagerson replace the benched Jonny Gray and injured Jack Dempsey.
06:44 PM GMT
Two changes for France
France head coach Fabian Galthie has made two changes from the team that crushed Ireland in round four, bringing in experienced centre Gael Fickou and scrum-half Maxime Lucu for the injured Antoine Dupont.
06:40 PM GMT
Preview: A win to clinch the title
Good evening and welcome to live coverage of the final game of this year’s Six Nations as France welcome Scotland to the Stade de France with the hosts knowing victory will secure them a first title since 2022.
The thumping of Grand Slam chasing Ireland in Dublin last weekend put the French in pole position heading into Super Saturday and despite Ireland and England now sitting ahead of them, their fate remains in their own hands.
Ireland’s victory over Italy in Rome, which kicked off today’s action, put Simon Easterby’s men three points clear at the top of the standings, but following England’s hammering of Wales in Cardiff, it is Steve Borthwick’s side a point clear at the summit as it stands.
France are now four points shy of England, but with a superior points difference, meaning a victory, regardless of bonus points, will be enough to clinch the title. Anything else will see England come out on top. The stakes are high with France vying to win their seventh Six Nations title, which would equal England’s all-time record.
Despite victory over Wales last time out, today’s results mean that Scotland are all but guaranteed to finish fourth. They can mathematically overtake France but that would require victory in Paris and an enormous one at that.
The absence of Antoine Dupont could be a key factor in events this evening after the France captain sustained a knee injury in Dublin last week, which is set to sideline him for six months.
