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:
9. Ben White
Scuttled in to grab the opening try and was pretty accurate with his passing. Was livid at the end when Scotland were not awarded a last-gasp score. 7 Photo: Ross MacDonald - SNS Group / SRU
10. Finn Russell
Apart from one speculative drop goal, he was largely foot perfect, with some clever kicks and sound handling. The co-captain was at the heart of Scotland's play. Landed 11 points. 8 Photo: Ross Parker - SNS Group
11. Duhan van der Merwe
We didn't see much in an attacking sense after the first try but his try-saving tackle on Gael Fickou was a fine bit of a defence. 6 Photo: ANDY BUCHANAN
12. Sione Tuipulotu
Carried ball well enough and was kept busy in defence whenever France broke forward. 6 Photo: Craig Williamson - SNS Group / SRU