France vs Scotland LIVE rugby: Final score and Six Nations result as Gael Fickou seals bonus-point win

France beat Scotland in a huge Six Nations clash this afternoon.

The Scots travelled to Paris in a massive test of their Six Nations title credentials - having opened the tournament with back-to-back wins for the first time in the Six Nations era. Gregor Townsend’s side were victorious on their last trip to the Stade de France two years ago, but Scotland have not won consecutive games in Paris since 1928.

Les Bleus were looking to respond to their defeat to title rivals Ireland last time out. The defending champions were beaten in a thriller in Dublin and another defeat here for France would surely be a fatal blow to their hopes of retaining their Six Nations crown.

Both teams had players sent off in the opening minutes and it was France who raced into 22-7 lead at half-time, and they withstood a stirring comeback from Scotland to clinch a 32-21 victory.

France vs Scotland LIVE: Latest updates from Six Nations

• F/T: France 32-21 Scotland

• TRY! FRANCE 30-21 Scotland (Gael Fickou try, 80 minutes)

• TRY! France 25-21 SCOTLAND (Finn Russell try, 68 minutes)

• TRY! France 22-14 SCOTLAND (Huw Jones try, 48 minutes)

• TRY! France 19-7 SCOTLAND (Huw Jones try, 26 minutes)

• TRY! FRANCE 19-0 Scotland (Thomas Ramos try, 19 minutes)

• RED CARD! Mohamed Haouas sent off! France 12-0 Scotland, 12 minutes

• TRY! FRANCE 12-0 Scotland (Ethan Dumortier try, 9 minutes)

• RED CARD! Grant Gilchrist is sent off! France 7-0 Scotland, 7 minutes

• TRY! FRANCE 7-0 Scotland (Romain Ntamack try, 5 minutes)

• Unbeaten Scotland are taking on France in Paris - live on ITV4

F/T: France 32-21 Scotland

16:57 , Harry Latham-Coyle

France deserve real credit for squeezing out that final ten minutes, ensuring there would be no last Scottish salvo having drawn within a score.

Scotland remain clear of their opponents, and indeed England, on points difference, but Ireland are now in firm control of the championship.

F/T: France 32-21 Scotland

16:56 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Another properly pulsating encounter in Paris, with France eventually holding on, snatching that bonus-point try in the throes to accentuate the positives of a back-and-forth contest. When the hosts powered over for two tries in the first ten minutes, and with Grant Gilchrist dismissed, it looked as if it might be a long afternoon for Scotland’s optimists. But Mohamed Haouas was sent off to restore numerical equality, and what followed was a thrilling affair, Scotland’s intrepid adventures throwing all they had at France but not quite having enough to finish the job.

FULL TIME! FRANCE 32-21 SCOTLAND

16:52 , Harry Latham-Coyle

TRY! FRANCE 32-21 Scotland (Gael Fickou try, 80 minutes)

16:50 , Harry Latham-Coyle

There it is! Scotland have battled and battled but they’ll leave with not even a losing bonus point.

A thumping carry to the centre from the quick tap creates all the room that Gael Fickou needs as Scotland over-fold, Fickou shedding two would-be tacklers to punch his way over for the fourth French try.

Thomas Ramos’ conversion matters for little but the final accounting - the tally swells by two, though, as France leave with five tournament points.

France 25-21 Scotland, 79 minutes

16:49 , Harry Latham-Coyle

But France win a breakdown penalty! Jamie Ritchie pinged for holding on, and his side are then marched back ten as the captain fails to strike the right tone with referee Nika Amashukeli.

France tap it...

France 25-21 Scotland, 78 minutes

16:49 , Harry Latham-Coyle

That’s superb work from Sione Tuipulotu, who may not have starred like Huw Jones today but has been nonetheless impressive in this Scottish effort.

Ali Price will feed a scrum five metres from his own line. Scotland will surely go from everywhere - France drop only one defender into the backfield...and nearly drive Scotland over the top of their own ball! Stuart Hogg just about extricates himself...

France 25-21 Scotland, 77 minutes

16:47 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Here goes then - Scotland simply must survive this set to have a hope. The lineout is...just about back in French hands with Romain Taofifenua retrieving the mop to clean up.

But that’s a maul, and Sipili Falatea is held in the air - turnover ball!

France 25-21 Scotland, 76 minutes

16:46 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Matthieu Jalibert to the outside...so nearly away! A vital grasp at the shoelaces just as the replacement fly half looked to have been cantering in for a sealing score, but Scotland manage to bring him down.

His offload is errant, so back for the penalty they will head. Decision time. Three points pushes the lead out to seven, but a bonus point score really would hammer the final nail in.

They’ll kick to the corner.

France 25-21 Scotland, 75 minutes

16:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A missed lineout again for Scotland! Fraser Brown’s throw ends up in French hands and listen to the crowd lift!

Damian Penaud lendds linking hands and Thomas Ramos rocks back Stuart Hogg as he hurries into the Scotland 22. Advantage coming...

France 25-21 Scotland, 74 minutes

16:44 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Stable, and played away. Yoram Moefana carries up the centre. Charles Ollivon and Thibaud Flament make a metre or two...penalty to Scotland! Romain Taofifenua goes it alone, but even a lock the size of two men is no match for three Scottish defenders, Jamie Ritchie locking over the top of a turtled Taofifenua to win the penalty.

France 25-21 Scotland, 73 minutes

16:42 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A reset, and then a free kick France’s way - that rather suits the hosts. They’ll scrum again to tick off some more seconds.

France 25-21 Scotland, 71 minutes

16:41 , Harry Latham-Coyle

All of the play in the last ten minutes has been with Scotland - but France are awaking from their slumber. A high hoist is knocked on by Blair Kinghorn, with Ethan Dumortier among those contesting.

Scotland need that extra forward from the bench: Sam Skinner enters in the place of Richie Gray.

France 25-21 Scotland, 70 minutes

16:40 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A slightly nervy rendition of “La Marseillaise” as the home fans try to lift their side for the final ten minutes. Thomas Ramos’ kick is blocked into touch on halfway.

France 25-21 Scotland, 69 minutes

16:39 , Harry Latham-Coyle

France go to their closer - Romain Ntamack checks with his team manager that it is indeed him being removed as Matthieu Jalibert trots over to take his place. Gaetan Barlot replaces Julien Marchand, too, while Scotland introduce Blair Kinghorn in the backline.

TRY! France 25-21 SCOTLAND (Finn Russell try, 68 minutes)

16:36 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Finn Russell gets his try!

This is turning into one of the best individual campaigns from a Six Nations player, Russell at the heart of everything good from Scotland in this second half as they start to battle back into this contest.

Well, almost everything - give a helping hand to that replacement front row, again drawing the referee’s arm of advantage, allowing Russell to attack the line with freedom and make the laceration. The conversion is there, too.

France 25-14 Scotland, 67 minutes

16:35 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A reset. Nika Amashukeli sees no infringement from either side as France appear to put the weight on and Scotland appear to step away. They’ll do it all over again.

France 25-14 Scotland, 65 minutes

16:34 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Sterling work from the new men - they win a scrum penalty. Ali Price, somewhat curiously, extracts as the scrum seems to be beginning a march to the line.

Nothing doing with Finn Russell’s chip. Scotland will scrum again.

France 25-14 Scotland, 63 minutes

16:32 , Harry Latham-Coyle

There’s a few walking wounded, and rather more walking weary, out there as a helter-skelter game goes on. France misdirect their lineout throw.

Finn Russell turns Thomas Ramos...and the full back carries back over his own line before being forced to ground in goal. Scotland’s five-metre scrum, to be fed with a new front row doing the pushing - enter Fraser Brown, Jamie Bhatti and WP Nel, exit Pierre Schoeman, George Turner and Zander Fagerson, who have all impressed.

France 25-14 Scotland, 62 minutes

16:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle

What a turnover from Antoine Dupont! That is sublime from the France captain, bashed back by George Turner’s carry but staying upright to contest the breakdown after the hooker is felled by a teammate, in with a rapier’s incision to nick the ball just as Scotland began to show the full extent of their threat.

France 25-14 Scotland, 61 minutes

16:29 , Harry Latham-Coyle

France hold firm! Sipili Falatea looks exposed in the defensive line but Finn Russell doesn’t quite spot him, choosing instead to poke a grubber through, but it is too firmly pushed, travelling dead.

France 25-14 Scotland, 60 minutes

16:28 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Ali Price feeds, extracting with no movement forthcoming as his burlymen do the shunting. To the blindside, and Finn Russell, who shapes to the outside and looks for another of those backdoor offloads that put Kyle Steyn in against Wales - France have it marked. Scotland reload.

France 25-14 Scotland, 58 minutes

16:26 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Two changes from Scotland before the restart. A first appearance of this campaign for Ali Price, on at scrum half, and Jack Dempsey is into the fray, too.

Charles Ollivon advances too soon in pursuit of a France kick. Penalty to the visitors in eminently kickable position - a chance to hit straight back? No, Jamie Ritchie calls for a scrum!

PENALTY! FRANCE 25-14 Scotland (Thomas Ramos penalty, 58 minutes)

16:24 , Harry Latham-Coyle

France know they are in a proper fight. Thomas Ramos adds three to extend the lead.

France 22-14 Scotland, 56 minutes

16:24 , Harry Latham-Coyle

France run it back with interest, Charles Ollivon like a fire engine weaving with the sirens on with Scottish tacklers seemingly clearing out of his way.

A canny kick forces Sione Tuipulotu to floor under severe pressure - pressure that translates into a sealing off penalty.

France 22-14 Scotland, 54 minutes

16:22 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Here come France! A fluid move to the left off the back of the scrum, collecting metres on the outside. Charles Ollivon hits a fine angle to keep the momentum going.

Held up! What defence from Scotland, Ben White somehow locking beneath Ethan Dumortier as the wing forced his way over between two other Scottish tacklers. Goalline dropout - France are denied a bonus point score.

France 22-14 Scotland, 53 minutes

16:21 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Caution to the wind! Circus stuff from Scotland as they play intricately, inaccurately in the tramlines, Finn Russell and Ben White throwing ugly offloads but just about keeping the ball in the field of play. Eventually it spills free from a tangle of hands - Scotland’s, it seems, as France will have the scrum feed.

Paul Willemse trudges off. The similarly bruising bouncer-typie Romain Taofifenua takes over on the door.

France 22-14 Scotland, 52 minutes

16:19 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Scotland are swelling by the minute. Duhan van der Merwe is permitted an opportunity to thump into the back of a retreating Damian Penaud, the wing releasing his frustration on the Frenchman. France just about survive to clear again, but momentum feels to have shifted Scotland’s way.

France 22-14 Scotland, 50 minutes

16:18 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Finn Russell is starting to pull those marionette strings. France are short of number on the outside as Scotland play from near their own line, Russell weighting his cross-kick perfectly for Kyle Steyn. Thomas Ramos gets back to a bouncing ball and swivels away a clearance of sorts.

TRY! France 22-14 SCOTLAND (Huw Jones try, 48 minutes)

16:14 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A second try for Huw Jones!

The centre is having some game. Jones initially hurries on the outside arc, taking Antoine Dupont on and out-gassing the scrum half. Scotland reload, with Jones back up off the deck and in the line to add his hands to a four on two, straightening up onto centre partner Sione Tuipulotu’s pass and powering through the challenge of Dupont to score.

Finn Russell converts. A very good start to the second half from the visitors, who are right, right in this.

France 22-7 Scotland, 47 minutes

16:14 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Back to the maul, and more metres collected by the Scottish drive. A high tackle on Jamie Ritchie gifts Scotland another advantage which they can take on their latest expedition - and into the French 22 Huw Jones cuts!

France 22-7 Scotland, 45 minutes

16:13 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Scotland’s maul has done good work today, though, when Turner has been able to hit double tops. They earn a penalty advantage as a rumbling mass again with France swimming up the side to bring it down.

A wide pass is adjudged to have travelled forward - perhaps slightly harshly - as Scotland make a right-ward exploration. Back they will come for the penalty.

France 22-7 Scotland, 43 minutes

16:11 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Not for the first time today, an inopportune Scottish lineout misfire - it’s an ambitious move, with Jamie Ritchie peeling away at the back to take George Turner’s long throw, but it’s a tough dart for the hooker, and Ritchie has to turn to take. His resulting offload is knocked on by Duhan van der Merwe, stomping off the blindside wing with intent but unable to gather cleanly.

France 22-7 Scotland, 42 minutes

16:09 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Fine work from George Turner at the tail, recognising Julien Marchand’s throw has travelled beyond the fifteen-metre line and thus allowing him to knife in at the back of the maul.

Antoine Dupont is penalised for offside as Scotland try to attack the blindside. Dupont asks the officials to look at a Pierre Schoeman hand-off, grabbing at his throat, but we don’t see a replay - Scotland will have a lineout 15 metres from the French line.

France 22-7 Scotland, 41 minutes

16:08 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Romain Ntamack sends something skyward, Finn Russell setting himself on the boundary and taking reasonably comfortably. Russell punts the mark out of play inside the France half.

Second half begins!

16:07 , Harry Latham-Coyle

France get the action restarted in Paris.

H/T: France 22-7 Scotland

16:06 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Fatigue will be a factor for both teams with each down to 14. France have lost two back rowers already, Gregory Alldritt removed to allow Falatea to come on and then Anthony Jelonch replaced by Francois Cros. They do still have Sekou Macalou among their substitutes - he will surely be required.

Scotland, remember, brought on Jonny Gray for Hamish Watson in that first half. They have two more back five forwards among their replacements - Jack Dempsey and Sam Skinner.

H/T: France 22-7 Scotland

16:05 , Harry Latham-Coyle

As for Mohamed Haouas...listen, I think this was clumsy, not malicious, and it certainly doesn’t compare to his punch on Jamie Ritchie in this fixture three years ago, but it’s not good from the prop.

Sipili Falatea has been bright since coming on, but this will be a big test of his fitness having had a bench role throughout this tournament so far. With Uini Atonio banned already, tighthead is a sore spot for the World Cup hosts: Thomas Laclayat of Oyonnax was in camp this week having toured Japan last summer without receiving a cap, and may be in line for a debut at Twickenham. Demba Bamba, who once looked a real rising star on the tighthead, has been a little short of his best since returning from a long-term knee injury.

H/T: France 22-7 Scotland

16:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Those two red cards were both clear enough calls. You can somewhat understand how Grant Gilchrist ended up in this position, hampered by Matt Fagerson alongside him and still trying to make a forceful tackle, but there’s no wrap from the Scottish second row, with direct contact to the head meaning a straightforward decision for the officials.

H/T: France 22-7 Scotland

15:57 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A red card apiece and a pulsating contest in Paris, with France throwing heavy haymakers and Scotland sticking in it. After two early tries showed the hosts’ physical prowess, Scotland have actually had arguably the better of things, and will be disappointed not to have capitalised more than once on some extended periods in the French 22.

Thomas Ramos’ intercept score and a penalty from the full back keep France’s half-time margin handsome enough - and Scotland’s struggles to combat their heavy runners suggest that a bonus point score will surely arrive at some point.

HALF TIME! FRANCE 22-7 SCOTLAND

15:52 , Harry Latham-Coyle

France 22-7 Scotland, 40 minutes

15:51 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The crowd roar their delight - but the half-time whistle has gone! A brilliant kick turns Huw Jones, who is driven into touch, with France alive to the possibilities of a quick lineout. Charles Ollivon takes it, and scores as the Stade de France rises to cheer...but Nika Amashukeli’s sharp blast of the whistle sets them right, and sends the players down the tunnel.

France 22-7 Scotland, 39 minutes

15:50 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Thomas Ramos claims a mark but takes a little longer run-up than he perhaps needs as he prepares to punt. A decent attacking platform for Scotland to try and work something from.

Good energy and invention initially from Scotland, but France handle the misdirection well. Huw Jones is cut down at the knees as he tries to schorch an outside trail, and Gael Fickou’s contesting hands eventually force a turnover on the Scottish right.

France 22-7 Scotland, 37 minutes

15:48 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Scotland time a counter-drive at the breakdown well, waiting for the French protectors to soften before punching over the top. But the Shaun Edwards-drilled defence resets sharply, shutting down Finn Russell’s options. Russell throws a forward pass to Stuart Hogg with other potential receivers cut off.

PENALTY! FRANCE 22-7 Scotland (Thomas Ramos penalty, 36 minutes)

15:46 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Thomas Ramos hits the mark from the tee, just right of centre and 25 metres out. France extend their advantage.

France 19-7 Scotland, 34 minutes

15:46 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Scotland have lost virtually every collision while defending today, battling to hang on to French shirts. Matt Fagerson goes off his feet before contesting after Sipili Falatea and Cyril Baille had carried in a forthright manner - Stuart Hogg urges his side to “kill it”, which they do, meaning France will have the penalty.

What’s the call? Corner for the bonus point? Nope, points...

France 19-7 Scotland, 32 minutes

15:44 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Turned over! Ben White snipes as French fringe defenders complain about a non-existent ruck infringement, but the hosts regather to counter-ruck and turn ball over.

Gael Fickou sets off with the knock-on advantage, and Zander Fagerson dives off his feet to prevent quick ball that might have allowed France to go the length.

France 19-7 Scotland, 31 minutes

15:43 , Harry Latham-Coyle

France are twice turned by Scottish kicks, the second tumbling into touch five metres out. Francois Cros gives his side a bit of breathing room by stepping away from Matt Fagerson’s tackle, but Antoine Dupont slices his boc kick and Scotland will throw a lineout inside the French 22.

France 19-7 Scotland, 29 minutes

15:40 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The respite is temporary for the Scottish fringe defenders, soon rocked back again as France play away from the lineout.

And that’s an odd option - the hosts still have momentum when Romain Ntamack elects to drop back into the pocket, and the fly half makes a real mess of his drop goal attempt. It scuttles under the posts like a spooked crab.

France 19-7 Scotland, 28 minutes

15:39 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The French intensity, intercept aside, had just lulled slightly - not so now. Back in action are those mobile, massive men up front, Paul Willemse and Sipli Falatea creating craters before Damian Penaud beats three defenders.

Gael Fickou drives onwards...turned over! It looks like the tackle was complete but Scotland ripped the ball free and Ben White clears to the safety of touch.

TRY! France 19-7 SCOTLAND (Huw Jones try, 26 minutes)

15:37 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A brilliant pass from Finn Russell puts Huw Jones in!

Ooh, that looks mighty, mighty flat, but there’s no further check with the legitimacy of the score cleared quickly. Russell looks behind Jones to the looping runner, but deftly tosses to the centre, who scythes through to slide over by the right-hand post.

France 19-0 Scotland, 25 minutes

15:35 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Scotland had a penalty advantage, and tap it off the floor. France infringe again, and Antoine Dupont is warned about his side’s discipline after they hold a Scottish carrier up over the line.

Anthony Jelonch departs for a second time - the flanker got up gingerly after that Van der Merwe tackle. Francois Cros replaces him...again. Scotland poke into the left-hand corner.

France 19-0 Scotland, 24 minutes

15:34 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Bundled into touch! What a tackle from Anthony Jelonch, who is having an extraodinary first half!

It’s Duhan van der Merwe on the outside, thrown the ball on the right after Finn Russell had made that initial bust and combined with Sione Tuipulotu. A smaller man has not a hope of stopping the hulking wing, but Jelonch is in the same weight class and forces him out.

France 19-0 Scotland, 23 minutes

15:32 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Duhan van der Merwe has his first meaningful involvement off his left wing, arriving omn Finn Russell’s inside to make a dent.

And through goes Russell! A delicious dummy and Scotland break free...

France 19-0 Scotland, 21 minutes

15:31 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Two missed chances in the French 22 and then an intercept score - Scotland already faced a long road back after those two early concessions but they couldn’t afford that.

Matt Fagerson blocks Antoine Dupont’s box kick into touch, and Dupont is in a muddle when he next tries to clear, too. A shake of the hips fools a defender for long enough to allow a clean clearance.

TRY! FRANCE 19-0 Scotland (Thomas Ramos try, 19 minutes)

15:28 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Picked off by Thomas Ramos!

Another assist for Finn Russell - but to the wrong team! You can applaud the ambition of the fly half, trying to fire a laser across three French defenders to the end-man on the line, but putting it much too close to the defensive line. Thomas Ramos extends a chameleon’s tongue, hauling it back into his grasp and easing up through the gears with no-one in front of him.

The full back converts his own try - France have three tries inside the first 20 minutes.

France 12-0 Scotland, 18 minutes

15:27 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A first sustained period of Scottish possession in the French half leads to little in particular, forcing Finn Russell to his right boot. An initial charge down sees it end up back in the fly half’s hand, and his second effort is better directed, turning France into their right-hand corner.

France throw the lineout immediately and clear up field.

No try! France 12-0 Scotland, 17 minutes

15:26 , Harry Latham-Coyle

So close for Zander Fagerson! The tighthead prop squirms out of the maul and reaches for the line, but his arm is agonisingly short, the ball bounced again the floor an inch or so shy with Fagerson’s frustrated face betraying his failure to ground. A quick check with the TMO to make certain, but France survive again.

France 12-0 Scotland, 16 minutes

15:24 , Harry Latham-Coyle

France are penalised at the maul. Scotland kick further up the touchline to go again.

France 12-0 Scotland, 15 minutes

15:24 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A superb 50:22 from Finn Russell! The fly-half is rather familiar with the Paris passageways from five years in the French capital with Racing, and picks the right rue to drive a punt down, pitching it a metre in the field of play to earn his side an attacking lineout.

France 12-0 Scotland, 14 minutes

15:22 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The crowd excites as Julien Marchand and Antoine Dupont try to combine at the front of a lineout, but the scrum-half’s toes were in touch as he tried to tread the tightrope.

Anthony Jelonch will, in fact, return, having passed his HIA - Francois Cros retakes a seat on the bench.

France 12-0 Scotland, 13 minutes

15:21 , Harry Latham-Coyle

France, by the way, now have a bit of a problem at tighthead with Uini Atonio already on the naughty step for a couple of weeks and Mohamed Haouas all but certain to join him.

Falatea does superbly at his first scrum, though, driving back Pierre Schoeman as Cyril Baille forces Zander Fagerson to pop up, with Gael Fickou lending his weight as a stand-in blindside flanker. Penalty to France, allowing a simple exit of their own 22.

France 12-0 Scotland, 12 minutes

15:20 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Back to the corner for Scotland for another go at the lineout drive...but George Turner’s toss drifts off line! A chance missed for the visitors.

The scrum necessitates the introduction of Sipili Falatea to provide France with suitably qualified front-rowers. Gregory Alldritt is somewhat surprisingly removed.

RED CARD! Mohamed Haouas sent off! France 12-0 Scotland, 12 minutes

15:18 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It’s another red for Mohamed Haouas against Scotland! Would you believe it?

This lacks the sheer idiocy of his punch of Jamie Ritchie three years ago, but is pretty daft regardless. Ben White has hands on ball but it’s not yet out of the ruck as Haouas launches at the scrum half around the corner, and the contact is head on head.

Nika Amashukeli initially feels the danger is low, but is talked round by his officiating colleagues - a second brandishing of the red card from the Georgian referee’s pocket inside 12 minutes!

France 12-0 Scotland, 12 minutes

15:16 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The maul gets a-moving, with George Turner in the chariot travelling ever closer to the line. Have France brought that down legally? Yes, according to the referee, but France are penalised at a ruck soon after.

Hang on - another TMO check required, with Mohamed Haouas’ tackle on a stooping Ben White deserving of further inspection...

France 12-0 Scotland, 11 minutes

15:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Penalty to Scotland. They needed that, Thibaud Flament taking the restart well but a teammate then commiting an offence to protect the ball.

Francois Cros came on for Anthony Jelonch, by the way, and I suspect he may on for the remainder. Gregor Townsend has been prompted into a change, too - the Scotland coach feels his side need a second lock on the pitch, so Hamish Watson is sacrificed for Jonny Gray, who joins his brother in the engine room ahead of a five metre lineout.

TRY! FRANCE 12-0 Scotland (Ethan Dumortier try, 9 minutes)

15:12 , Harry Latham-Coyle

There’s the second score!

Oh, Scotland. All that optimism coming in to today and twice they have been ripped open in the opening ten minutes. Kyle Steyn inadvertendly kicks the ball free as he tries to secure possession after Hogg had been hauled down, with French hands sharpest down to it.

Scotland’s 14 are much too narrow having hared back to try and get to Thomas Ramos’ chip ahead, meaning it is simply a matter of hands for France to finish it off. Gael Fickou straightens, Romain Ntamack turns provider, and in goes Ethan Dumortier untouched in the corner.

Ramos misses from the tee this time.

France 7-0 Scotland, 8 minutes

15:12 , Harry Latham-Coyle

France play twice out the back to Thomas Ramos, who turns Stuart Hogg with a chip in behind.

And France have it! They busy the breakdown and the ball pops out their way...

France 7-0 Scotland, 7 minutes

15:11 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Grant Gilchrist grasps at his scrum cap, clearly distraught. It was a dangerous challenge in an attempt to impart some physicality, and it’s the right call.

France kick up to halfway from the penalty.

RED CARD! Grant Gilchrist is sent off! France 7-0 Scotland, 7 minutes

15:10 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It’s the same two Scottish tacklers, Matt Fagerson contacting first and then Grant Gilchrist afterwards and...the lock will be in trouble here. There doesn’t appear to be a clear wrap from the second row, and there’s significant contact direct to Jelonch’s head.

This might well be red. It is - Grant Gilchrist is sent off! Nika Amashukeli works through the process with his TMO Ben Whitehouse, and out comes the card - from bad to worse for Scotland!

France 7-0 Scotland, 6 minutes

15:08 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Again Stuart Hogg’s restart lands in the arms of Anthony Jelonch, and again the flanker delivers some punishment to the Scottish chasers. With two flankers on the bench, the French back row can afford to empty their tanks - it’s been an action-packed opening from Jelonch.

Antoine Dupont clears well once more, and the medic is checking Jelonch over - it looks like he is ordering the flanker off for an HIA, but Jelonch rejoins his teammates hoping to continue. He won’t be allowed...and a replay on the big screen will prompt a TMO check of the challenge that caused the head injury...

TRY! FRANCE 7-0 Scotland (Romain Ntamack try, 5 minutes)

15:05 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A scintillating start from France!

Sacre bleu - that’s a worrying first defensive set for Scotland, unable to at all stall the French heavy runners. The bludgeons open up space for Romain Ntamack’s blade, advantage coming as Antoine Dupont finds his halfback partner sweeping around to the left edge.

Ntamack shimmies home about ten metres in from the touchline. Thomas Ramos’ first conversion is true - an ominous start.

France 0-0 Scotland, 4 minutes

15:04 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A strong initial surge from France before hooker Julien Marchand bursts away. And here come the heavy mob, men pouring around the corner, first Thibaud Flament and then his lock partner Paul Willemse doing the toting.

Willemse again! Bish, bash bosh and the French are up to withina metre through Cyril Baille...

France 0-0 Scotland, 3 minutes

15:03 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Anthony Jelonch fancies this! You don’t see Duhan van der Merwe deposited on his derriere too often, but the wing is flat-footed as Jelonch ploughs into him, allowing the flanker to keep his legs driving. Scotland infringe at the ruck; France kick into the visitors’ 22.

France 0-0 Scotland, 2 minutes

15:02 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A more awkward collision now as Kyle Steyn slips into contact, with the high hit negated by Steyn’s significant change in height. Finn Russell goes to work, throwing flat to Pierre Schoeman at the line.

Russell orchestrates again but Stuart Hogg can’t gather cleanly in a wide channel.

France 0-0 Scotland, 1 minute

15:01 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A deep kick off from Stuart Hogg, forcing Anthony Jelonch to retreat before the flanker comes stomping forth again on the lumber for the first time. A major collision as Jelonch meets the shoulders of Matt Fagerson and Grant Gilchrist.

Antoine Dupont ensures a tidy exit with a powerful box kick.

KICK OFF!

15:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Stuart Hogg’s right boot sends the ball skywards and we are underway at the Stade de France!

France vs Scotland

14:59 , Harry Latham-Coyle

One for the neutrals? I fancy this will be plenty of fun. The middle weekend of the 2023 Six Nations concludes in Paris, and kick off is moments away...

Anthems

14:58 , Harry Latham-Coyle

“Flower of Scotland” is piped prettily and sung well by the Scottish squad, grateful, you’d assume, not to have contend with the travelling anthem mishap that Ireland did yesterday. The pockets of tartan scarves wave.

“La Marseillaise” is delivered forcefully, a couple of chilly looking mascots lending their help as the players chant along behind them.

France vs Scotland

14:55 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A great banner is on the pitch to welcome the players, “united for one dream” the message to the French crowd and players with the autumn World Cup now very much on the horizon.

Before kick-off, as has been the case at all three games this weekend, a moment to pause in support of the people of Ukraine one year on from the escalation of the Russian invasion.

France vs Scotland

14:53 , Harry Latham-Coyle

France are in their change white kit today, with the Scottish visitors clad in familiar navy blue.

Antoine Dupont and Jamie Ritchie stand shoulder to shoulder in the tunnel as the rest of the 23s file in behind them. Chilly but dry in Paris - it might be a good day for some running rugby.

France vs Scotland - Match Officials

14:51 , Harry Latham-Coyle

World Rugby have spread the refereeing appointments around for this Six Nations, given all of their likely World Cup officiating panel a go in the middle. Fast-rising Georgian Nika Amashukeli takes charge this afternoon in a multi-national team.

Referee: Nika Amashukeli (GRU)ARs: Karl Dickson (RFU) & Andrea Piardi (FIR)TMO: Ben Whitehouse (WRU)

France vs Scotland

14:49 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The flags are beginning wave in the stands at the Stade de France with kick off swiftly approaching. I think France will try to really control things in the first 40, building through their long kicking game to win territory and push Scotland back having struggled to prevent Ireland settling in two weeks ago.

France vs Scotland - Shaun Edwards speaks to ITV

14:43 , Harry Latham-Coyle

“The fact that Scotland were the only team to have beaten us here in the last three years is a huge part of it,” the France defence coach says. “We don’t want them coming to Paris and winning again. We want to regain momentum. We lost against Ireland last week in a very, very high quality game.

“Obviously you have to take into account how much possession Ireland have but a couple of tries we definitely could have stopped. Four tries if four tries, but we were back to normal being the most disciplined team in world rugby, which we were last year.”

France vs Scotland

14:35 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Slightly peculiarly, there were plenty of French accents in Cardiff yesterday, busying the bars around the Principality Stadium and mingling with the Welsh and English. Sunday Six Nations games don’t always sell brilliantly but there should be a good turnout this afternoon, boosted by a healthy group of travelling Scots.

France vs Scotland

14:31 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It’s a little chillier than the two teams might like, but the sun is most certainly shining on a pleasant Paris afternoon at the Stade de France. Last year’s victory at Murrayfield felt a quietly key one for a developing French side, put under pressure at times but holding their nerve to take their chances and claim what, in the end, was a convincing win.

Mohamed Haouas’ return is interesting - Jamie Ritchie will remember the feel of his fist, but the prop has mellowed significantly since this moment of madness. He’s not quite got the sheer size of Uini Atonio, but he and Paul Willemse on that tighthead right of the French scrum should be able to put Pierre Schoeman under pressure.

Sione Tuipulotu calls on Scotland to treat France showdown as ‘grand final’

14:25 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Sione Tuipulotu has called on buoyant Scotland to treat this weekend’s showdown with France like a cup final as he prepares for one of the biggest games of his career.

The Scots head to Paris top of the Six Nations table after starting with bonus-point wins away to England and at home to Wales.

Victory at Stade de France on Sunday would leave them in prime position to go for a first Grand Slam since the 1990 Five Nations, with back-to-back home games against Ireland and Italy to come in March.

Tuipulotu explained that there is a blend of optimism and steely focus as Gregor Townsend’s side gear up for their high-stakes trip to the French capital.

“We haven’t started like this before so there is an extra buzz around that and everyone’s a little happier around camp,” said the Glasgow centre. “But there’s also an intensity about the group now because we know what an opportunity we have.”

Sione Tuipulotu calls on Scotland to treat France showdown as ‘our Grand Final’

French forwards provide sternest test of impressive Scotland front eight

14:17 , Harry Latham-Coyle

While Russell and his backs have added the flash, Scotland’s first two wins have been built on the grit and gristle of their defensive efforts, with the forward pack fronting up and playing with improved physicality. This, though, will be a significant step-up for the Scottish front eight – France come armed with an array of heavy artillery the envy of the rest of the rugby world, and combatting their power shapes as a key challenge for the visitors.

When France are at their best they win repeatedly around the corner, attacking the fringes with their bruisers and offloading to then capitalise on the fissures. In theory, that’s a worry for a Scottish side lacking the pure mass of their opponents, so they may have to be canny to stall the hosts – Hamish Watson’s return should be helpful at the breakdown. Survive the physical test, though, and Scotland really will look like true challengers.

Can Finn Russell unlock French defence?

14:12 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Finn Russell has rather enjoyed his time in Paris, strutting his stuff at the La Defense Arena with Racing 92. He departs for Bath at season’s end, so this will be a last trip to his adopted home city as an international, looking to unpick a few familiar Top 14 friends and foes.

Key will be his Racing teammate Gael Fickou, France’s defensive captain and key pivot defender in the 13 channel. Scotland have exploited both England and Wales out wide, with Russell’s range of kicking and passing causing plenty of problems against two teams bedding in new systems.

France tend to spread wider more effectively than either of Scotland’s previous two opponents, so Russell may instead try to attack inside defenders – Yoram Moefana is not necessarily a natural inside centre, and I think we could see a fair bit of Duhan van der Merwe on his fly-half’s shoulder to try and punch up the centre.

Newly arrived to the Harris household

14:06 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Now feels an opportune time to extend our congratulations to Scotland centre Chris Harris and his wife, Ruby, on the safe arrival of a baby daughter this week. It may be that Gregor Townsend was planning to match France’s power-packed bench anyway, but Harris’ absence perhaps made the decision slightly more straightforward for the head coach. Best wishes to the Harris family, who will be hoping baby Isobel’s first Scotland game ends in victory.

Team News - Scotland

14:04 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Also making a single tweak is Gregor Townsend, understandably content with Scotland’s work so far in this championship and with Stuart Hogg passed fit finding no fresh injury issues of concern. In to the starting side comes a fully fit Hamish Watson, the breakdown nuisance displacing the slightly unfortunate Luke Crosbie, who did little wrong in his first two Six Nations appearances.

Crosbie drops all the way out of the 23 despite Townsend matching France with an extra forward on the bench: Sam Skinner is handy blindside and lock cover and is set for his first involvement of this campaign. Ali Price also returns to the fold as replacement scrum-half.

Scotland XV: Pierre Schoeman, George Turner, Zander Fagerson; Richie Gray, Grant Gilchrist; Jamie Ritchie (capt.), Hamish Watson, Matt Fagerson; Ben White, Finn Russell; Duhan van der Merwe, Sione Tuipulotu, Huw Jones, Kyle Steyn; Stuart Hogg.

Replacements: Fraser Brown, Jamie Bhatti, WP Nel, Jonny Gray, Sam Skinner, Jack Dempsey; Ali Price, Blair Kinghorn.

Team News - France

14:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A first defeat in 18 months has not prompted sweeping changes from Fabien Galthie, with the head coach happy enough to let the same 23 continue. There is a single exception: Uini Atonio’s high hit on Rob Herring has earned the tighthead a ban, necessitating a new starter at prop. That starter is Mohamed Haouas, promoted beyond Sipili Falatea.

His elevation to starter reflects how Galthie likes clarity of roles for his squad, with a six-two bench split again backed. Two back rowers lurk among the six forwards, with Francois Cros and Sekou Macalou ready to stretch their legs in the second half.

France XV: Cyrill Baille, Julien Marchand, Mohamed Haouas; Thibaud Flament, Paul Willemse; Anthony Jelonch, Charles Ollivon, Gregory Alldritt; Antoine Dupont (capt.), Romain Ntamack; Ethan Dumortier, Yoram Moefana, Gael Fickou, Damian Penaud; Thomas Ramos.

Replacements: Gaetan Barlot, Reda Wardi, Sipili Falatea, Romain Taofifenua, Francois Cros, Sekou Macalou; Baptiste Couilloud, Matthieu Jalibert.

On to France vs Scotland

13:59 , Harry Latham-Coyle

There’s plenty more reaction to yesterday’s games across The Independent, but now it is time to switch our attention more squarely to affairs in Paris, starting with a closer examination of both selections.

Where that leaves things in Six Nations round three...

13:56 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Ireland remain on course for a perfect tournament, three games, three bonus point wins and clear at the top of the table - for now.

Scotland can match the presumed favourites if they score four tries or more and snatch victory this afternoon, while a French bonus point win could leave a three-way tie for second spot.

For Wales - well, when Warren Gatland is talking about avoiding a wooden spoon it rather sums up the sorry state his side find themselves in. Italy host the Welsh in 13 days time...

England ensure Wales end week of woe with defeat in scrappy Six Nations clash

13:53 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Perhaps usefully for the editors of Rugby Special, there was rather less end-to-end stuff in Cardiff yesterday evening as Wales and England contested a scrappy old contest at a slightly subdued Principality Stadium. The visitors deepened the Welsh woe with their biggest win by the River Taff in 20 years despite an off-day from the tee for Owen Farrell.

England ensure Wales end week of woe with defeat in scrappy Six Nations clash

Ireland survive Italy test to keep grand slam chase alive

13:49 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Trips to Rome no longer look at all straightforward - Kieran Crowley’s frisky Italy side have now run France and Ireland, perhaps the two best teams in the world, mighty close over the first three weeks of this Six Nations. It was all action and adventure in the Italian capital, with Andy Farrell’s side eventually emerging (just about) on top.

France vs Scotland

13:47 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Yes, welcome along one and all to the conclusion of the middle weekend of the Six Nations. We are now beyond the halfway point of this competition, eight matches concluded with seven more to go to decide our 2023 champions.

Colliding this afternoon are France, stung by a first defeat in 14 before the fallow week, and Scotland, hopeful of heady heights after back-to-back wins to open their tournament but knowing the challenge ratchets up this afternoon.

Kick off is at 3pm GMT - and before we get in to the thick of the build-up, let’s remind you of all of yesterday’s action...

France vs Scotland: Five talking points

13:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Scotland head to the Stade de France aiming to continue their stirring start to the Guinness Six Nations campaign.

Gregor Townsend’s team have won both their matches so far and will fancy their chances of another victory over a France side who lost away to Ireland on matchday two.

The PA news agency looks at some key talking points ahead of the high-stakes Paris showdown:

Townsend’s men continue grand slam bid in Paris – Scotland-France talking points

France vs Scotland

13:40 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Gregor Townsend has challenged his Scotland players to “go up a few levels” as he backed them to deal with the formidable test they face against France in Paris this weekend.

The Scots are top of the Guinness Six Nations table after opening their campaign with bonus-point wins away to England and at home to Wales.

However, head coach Townsend feels they will need to show further improvement if they are to maintain their perfect start in the Stade de France against the side ranked second in the world.

“We were tough on the players going into the Wales week, and rightly so because in the past we haven’t backed up our first performance going into the second week of the Six Nations and also because we believed there was much more to come from the group,” Townsend said, speaking on Friday morning as the team prepared to fly to Paris.

“We feel the same way this week. I think the players realise what a big test this is going to be, playing one of the best teams in the world on their home patch, at a venue we haven’t had much success at over the past 100 years.”

Gregor Townsend urges Scotland to ‘go up a few levels’ against France

France vs Scotland

13:35 , Lawrence Ostlere

Follow live updates from France vs Scotland in the Six Nations.