Scotland suffered Six Nations heartache at Murrayfield as France dug out a dramatic 20-16 Guinness Six Nations victory – but only after a controversial decision not to award the hosts a try in the last action of the match.
Les Bleus – who lost 38-17 at home to Ireland in their opener last weekend – looked in danger of starting the championship with back-to-back defeats as they trailed for most of the match after Ben White’s seventh-minute try. However, Louis Bielle-Biarrey’s moment of inspiration in the 70th minute allowed the French – who had scored in the first half through Gael Fickou – to get themselves in front.
The Scots – looking to make it back-to-back wins after their triumph in Wales last weekend – staged a late rally and thought they had claimed the victory when they forced their way over the line after the 80-minute mark, but following a lengthy TMO review, it was deemed that Sam Skinner had not managed to ground the ball.
We give each Scotland starter involved a mark out of ten for their performance:
5. Scott Cummings
Almost got a late steal at a French lineout but will lament his missed opportunity to send Kyle Rowe clear for a try in the first half. 6 Photo: Craig Williamson - SNS Group / SRU
6. Matt Fagerson
The back row was in the wars, taking a stinger to his shoulder in the build-up to Gael Fickou's try and then getting a dunt from Uini Atonio that led to the French prop being sin-binned. Was replaced by Andy Christie at the break. 5 Photo: Ross Parker - SNS Group
7. Rory Darge
His early jackal set the tone for an all-action's captain display from the back-row. Topped the tackle charts across both teams with 13 successful hits. 8 Photo: Andrew Milligan
8. Jack Dempsey
Put in one big carry in the first half but was kept in check by his resolute French counterparts thereafter. 6 Photo: Craig Williamson - SNS Group / SRU