Scotland v France Six Nations Rugby

No Louis Picamoles today, after he displayed petulance and was dropped.

This is how the table looks, as we head into the evening. Ireland are

now clear at the top after that win in Dublin. England, Wales and France

are all still in contention for the title. France will need a big win if

they are to have realistic title prospects. There are coach has made

seven changes, three due to injury, and of course, no Louis Picamoles.

After the drama of Rome, Scotland have made three changes in the pack.

And finally, there is a recall for and Kelly Brown, who had been

dropped for the last two games, but ready to make an impact here at

Murrayfield today. A dry, mastery and quite sunny Murrayfield at the

moment. And of course, the Scottish couple is always a welcoming city.

The French really enjoyed it for these Six Nations weekends. Joining

me, Sir Ian McGeechan, Andy Nichol and Jonathan Davies. Now, if you

read the papers, and here the quotes, France are there for the

taking? You look at the Scotland team and it does look better,

primarily because Kelly Brown is there. When they look up and they

see him there, they will get a boost. I think Kelly Brown will have

a big game here this afternoon. And in the opposite buzzing room, less

familiar faces, because Picamoles, one of the most influential, one of

those guys with statistics which any player would grace any team with, is

out, because of his petulance, which you said in your commentary, there

is no place for it in the game. Absolutely no place. He was unlucky

to get the yellow card, because I was not sure. And as he walks off,

he knows the severity of the yellow card, and his response is just not

on. We do not want this creeping into the game. There is no place for

it in rugby. And off he went. It is the right call. But for Philippe

Saint-Andre, it is a very brave call. Because they have got several

big players missing. It is a very big call. It is a huge call. When

you look at Machenaud coming in, we both probably believe that Morgan

Parra is the best number nine, but he got banned because of a

head-butt. So, also without Fofana in the midfield, this is the chance

for Scotland. That French team can be taken here this afternoon. And

they have got a second row who will be playing out of position. The

Scottish have got to try and exploit that. Talking about Scotland, in

Rome, Richie Gray was for you one of the main reasons Scotland seemed to

be firing in the second half particularly, with his influence on

the line-out? Yes, he took early line-out ball. It is so clean and so

quick, that when he does take it, Scotland can play. And then,

Scotland were doubling up well in attack, giving him space on the

outside. The fact that he has got to be watched meant that when the ball

comes back, the Scotland players are ready to play, and in space. He has

been very important leaving Scotland for just a moment, France are

technically still in with a shout of the Championship, but they have got

their work cut out, especially after their performance against Wales. We

caught up with Philip Saint-Andre earlier.

What reaction are you hoping for this week? Well, you have direction,

we have performed badly against Wales. Wales did well. So we have

made changes. We have had a few we know that Scotland is a tough

contest. We are looking for the conditions. We hope that the

conditions are good. I hope to see a very good game.

France have not away fixtures in the Six Nations, apart from coming to

Murrayfield. Is that a concern for you? It is a concern. We need to

have a bit of discipline. We have to start matches better than we did two

weeks ago. We just need to perform our best. We still have a young

team, but they are talented guys. We need to play rugby. We need to play

a positive game. We need to be clinical. We have not performed

before, against Wales. Best of luck.

Thank you. France, one win away in three Six

Nations campaigns. You could say there is a cultural thing about

that. Maybe that the home victory is so important, but that is not a good

record, Andrew? It is not. They have this thing in France, it is

dishonourable to lose a home game in front of fans. It is difficult to

flip the switch in national environments. So maybe that is why

there is a poor record, but Scotland have not beaten France since 2006.

Now they are coming out to huge reception here, though. Any

disappointments from the Calcutta Cup match are forgotten after the

drama of Rome. There is a real belief from the squad that they can

get something from this game. That they can overturn eight years since

they beat France? If they are going to do it, the set piece will have to

be good. Richie Gray is crucial and the first

20 minutes. If they get France turning, and as Andy said, that

middle fly are vulnerable. So if they have not shot a Frenchman yet,

we will do it. I think it is a game management. I

think both pair of half backs have not stamped their authority on the

games yet. Whoever manages the game the better will win with field

position, as Ian says. Princess Anne is to make her way

down the tunnel in a moment, along with the Presidents of the Scottish

Rugby Union and the French Rugby Union.

They are coming out now. Making their way on to the pitch to meet

the players. The fanfare as always from the pipers as they come out.

The fireworks, the canons. It is always a good show here. We have had

the Red Hot chilli Pipers on the field as well.

There has been reviews saying it was patronising but only as what

followed was poor. So it is key for Scotland to put in the performance.

Twice in the last few games, Scotland have not scored a point. To

remember the occasion, you want to remember the game, not the pre-match

entertainment. I think with Kelly Brown, walking up

and down the team, you can see the impact of him being there. I think

it is so important now, that the big men in the Scottish side do stand up

and take responsibility. The reason they were unable to turn it around

was the scrum. It was poor to begin with. Moray Low was taken off. He

was taken off for Geoff Cross, but what also happened was the line

speed and defence then was quicker and more intense. They have to do

that again today. I think that Wales was upset because

of their line speed against France. I don't know who the recognised

French ball carriers are, apart from pick pib pick. He is not playing.

We mentioned the away record. There we can see it. How poor France have

been -- Louis Picamoles is not playing.

But unless they carry the ball forward and go wide but if they do

that, Scotland must get the defence right. If they carry the ball and

they bring the backs into it, and Bastareaud, they will be very, very

dangerous. You are impressed with the Scottish

centre pairing, both Ian and in Rome but they are preparing for the

future, but Bastareaud, let's not forget, he is the man who four years

ago scored two tries here. And two years ago here he was

devastating as well. So a real chance for Matt Scott and Alex

Dunbar to take a step up the ladder. I have been impressed with the tries

that Dunbar got but the shape that they are running, Matt's play

playing ability and the play is really strong. The half backs have

to get Bastareaud in the game. If he is not in the game because of the

pressure inside of him, Scotland will get the ball behind France and

the ball behind France and the wingers is a dangerous game, one

that Scotland would want to see happening.

Kelly Brown introducing the players to Princess Anne. He has gone past

Sean Lamont. He is the third most capped Scottish player of all time.

He is up on the big screen in the stadium. He is on 86 caps now.

It is a great achievement behind Chris patter sop and Scot Murray.

There is a key pairing there in Greig Laidlaw and Duncan Weir. He

must have a lot of confidence after what happened in the last minute

with the drop-goal. I want to see him to grab that game today. To

control it. We will see Stuart Hogg come in and be the first second

playmaker there. And what Scotland want to see is Stuart Hogg with his

hands on the ball. I have been playing with width, which causes

problems to the opposition, and they have to do that again, and get that

repositioning, which started to come in the second half last week. They

have to say, look, when you are in the front foot, get it to the

players on the outside, because they looked dangerous. In a moment, there

will be recognition of a great and long serving member of Gosforth

Rugby club. Sadly, he passed away. So, the life of Ken Johnson being

remembered. ANNOUNCER: Ladies and gentlemen,

boys and girls, Ken Johnson, Ken Johnson passed away whilst preparing

to cheer on his country whilst with a group of friends at last month's

Calcutta cup match. We are honoured that his wife and son are with us.

We ask you to be upstanding and to observe a moment's silence in memory

of Ken, and of all in Scotland and France who lost their lives on

French soil during the First World War, as we mark the 100th

anniversary of the start of that terrible conflict.

Thank you very much, ladies gentlemen.

Jonathan Davies has made his way up to the commentary box, where he will

join Chris Paterson and Andrew Cotter. You will hear their voices

shortly, after we have enjoyed the albums. -- anthems.

# Allons enfants de la Patrie. # Le jour de gloire est arrive.

# Contre nous de la tyrannie. # L'Etendard sanglant est leve.

# Entendez-vous dans les campagnes. # Mugir ces feroces soldats.

# Ils viennent jusque dans vos bra. # Egorger vos fils, vos compagnes.

# Aux armes, citoyens. # Formez vos bataillons.

# Marchons, marchons. # Qu'un sang impur.

# Abreuve nos sillons! # O Flower of Scotland. # When will

we see your like again. # That fought and died for.

# Your wee bit hill and glen. # That stood against him.

# Proud Edward's army. # And sent him homeward.

# Tae think again. # Those days are past now.

# And in the past they must remain. # But we can still rise now.

# And be the nation again. # That stood against him.

# Proud Edward's army. # And sent him homeward.

# Tae think again #. That win in Rome will quickly fade

in the memory if Scotland do not perform well against this wounded

and weakened France. Scotland have their leader back, Kelly Brown

returning to captain the side, in a back row where Johnnie Tommaso Allan

and David Denton will be wearing a six and number eight today, but

effectively, they will be sharing roles. As for the back line, the

same men start. That centre partnership is starting to knit

together well. Lots of talk about French muscle upfront, but they have

a smaller back. Vahaamahina gets a rare outing on the flank, normally a

second row. But the backline looks strong, even without Fofana.

Machenaud finally gets the nod at scrum-half, and Scotland, Euan

Murray back on the bench. And the referee for this one is from

New Zealand, Chris Pollock. A great noise inside Murrayfield, and a

sizeable chunk of that is from France. This game is so important

for both sides. Will there be something more for Scotland to

celebrate, or can France find themselves again? France get the

game under way. Scotland are in their changed strip. There was some

confusion between Richie Gray and David Denton to start. The ball

comes back the way of Scotland. As we mentioned beforehand, the first

20 minutes is really important to set the tone. The scrum will go to

Scotland. JONATHAN DAVIES: That is not what

they wanted, really, but they were lucky to get away with it, in the

absence of a clean catch. We will see how good the Scottish pack goes,

they are the bigger side, but that is not everything. The French crowd

are already singing, and this is a big moment, the first scrum on this

pitch. A straightforward pop at goal. Can

see the pitch churning up already. Not a good sign for Scotland,

because set pieces are so important in this match. Yes, Andy Nicol

mentioned before the game how important it was. No messing about

from the referee, no reset, a straight penalty. The pitch is

better than it was against England, but the kicker will have to be

careful. This should be an easy kick. It should be, but the wind

comes into your face on that angle. Machenaud does well, straight

through the posts. If Scotland wanted to keep the visitors quiet in

the early stages, they have failed. Chris Pollock, the New Zealand

referee, it is all about his interpretation. In the Super XV, the

scrummaging is not a big area, they leave the attacking side to have the

advantage. It will be slightly different for him in this game, I

feel. Kick-off taken by the full-back,

Brice Dulin. Again, Denton comes forward and

takes the ball as well as his own man. It comes back for Scotland.

Johnnie Tommaso Allan macro wearing number six today. Duncan Weir

switches it. That goes straight out, so they will come back. Yes, that is

not a great kick. Forced upon him, I think. I have been really impressed

by how quickly the French got back onto their feet, a big defensive

line, and is behind. It is a big test for Brice Mach, the

hooker. But Scotland have disrupted it and have stolen it.

Richie Gray, taken around the ankles by Brice Mach.

That bounces over the head of Brice Dulin. He finds Sean Lamont. But he

was well met by Dulin. Ryan Grant, the loosehead prop,

carries it. Stuart Hogg in the fly half position. Scott off-loads well

to his centre partner Dunbar, who almost gets away. Some bright signs

from Scotland. Yes, the line speed is very good from France. There has

to be a bit of variety from the French. If they are going to be

quick up in defence, they have to put the ball behind them come and

make them think. We are struggling with the referee's microphone at the

moment. We understand that it has not been switched on at his end.

Most of the noise around Murrayfield at the moment is French. There were

thousands wandering around Edinburgh this morning. There were, and it was

the same in Cardiff. The game is growing in France. It is really on a

high. Last night at the under-20 game in Scotland, there was a huge

support as well. I see that England under-20s beat Wales 67 Hysen seven.

JONATHAN DAVIES: I did not see that! Are worrying result for Wales!

Machenaud gets it away, under a lot of pressure. The kick is charged

down. It comes to Vahaamahina, who usually plays in the second row.

France have a penalty. I think they have to pressurise the young

stand-off. He has not had the most confident of starts in the Six

Nations. He has not got a great platform, he has had a lot of bad

ball coming back to him. He has got another scrum-half again today. So

just put pressure on him. Machenaud did very well there. That was a

great ball. So, a French line-out. This is the line-out success for

France in the Six Nations sofar... That was whiskey, but it worked.

Both sides have so much to play for. So much to lose. That will spur them

on. There is Medard.

He gets it away. The ball is out. Scotland are upon

it and Richie Gray points the way. One of France's great doubtfuls is

the amount of turnover ball that they have conceded, but what can the

opposition do with it. Greig Laidlaw sees a position. It

bounces for Maxime Medard. He does well and gets his kick away.

Not much of an angle. He has done well. Taken quickly by Stuart Hogg.

Quite a pace to the game already. Johnny Beattie, he and Richie Gray

of course playing their rugby in France.

Ryan Grant gets it away well. France now, a space in front. Jules

Plisson has support outside. It is dangerous! He looks inside.

Wonderful stuff. Taken down by Denton and Weir. Scotland are

scrabbling back now! Machenaud now. Only for France to Bastareaud.

Almost through. There are options either side. Maestri cannot get it

away it is a scrum to France. A little knock-on there from Scotland.

They will greatly receive that. But what a break this what was.

Look, a couple of passes. Departmenton, they hold the line and

take the ball. They take the defenders out, they did well. This

is good support. It's a great tackle. Weir, a try-saving tackle.

It gives an indication of how sharp they are here in this situation,

France. Seconds behind Brown.

The referee, giving a word to Kelly Brown.

A clear infringement there. He had advice from the assistant referee,

but Scotland were lucky there. That should have been a yellow card. It

was a dangerous position. Try-scoring. Maybe they did not get

his number but they have to be careful on that. They have to be

careful on turnovers. That kick does not trouble

Machenaud. Ten minutes gone and 6-0. France lead.

It could have been a try. It could have been a man in the bin

for Scotland. Exactly the start that the French

would have wanted. They have taken a lot of criticism over the past two

weeks. France, 6-0 up, that is what they were looking for.

Weir is starting and up goes the captain, Pascal Pape with a little

help. Machenaud has charged down. Who has

it now? Scotland inside the French 22.

Duncan Weir gives it to Hogg. Kelly Brown give it is to Laidlaw and on

to Johnny Beattie. Scotland are making some ground but

the French set themselves with the defence again. Scotland has a

chance. Sean Lamont is there. Stuart Hogg is celebrating wildly, as if he

knows he has got that, but the French defenders were certain too,

that they got on the ball. We shall see.

By the players' reaction, it indicates strongly if that is a try

or not. Hogg thinks that is a try. It was finger-wag wagging there. So

technical instruction there is to the referee. I think this is

well-played for Scotland. They had the penalty. To just not give it

away or try a drop-goal, they said let's just go for the up and under

and go for the try. It was a great, great tactic.

That was Hogg. Does Huget get it down first? A

great option by Hogg. Did Huget get his finger tips to

that first? I don't think it is a knock-on.

Thats will not show it at all. This will show it.

Does Huget get his hands on the ball. Let's have a look... I think

maybe his finger tips to that. I would say his left finger nail on

that one. It is a massive call. A massive

call. The try will be given.

Listen for the roar. Stuart Hogg, once again! Such a

dangerous player for Scotland. And he has a try. It was his kick and

then it was his touch .

And all of the finger wagging in the world did not save Huget. The try

was given. The conversion landed by Greig Laidlaw. Scotland are leading

here at Murrayfield. It did look a bleak start to the

game for Scotland, but 13 minutes gone and they are in front. Denton

was flying but loses it forward. It is picked up by Lapandry.

Scotland are up against it now. Pascal Pape, the captain out to

Kelly Brown, the Scottish skipper. Machenaud points the way to the

forwards. There is Yoann Maestri, and

Machenaud. Out wide and held well. Machenaud was in. Machenaud trying

to break that ball free. If they had wanted to build up a

good gallop, Scotland at the moment is keeping France at bay. Maestri

gives it on. Machenaud does not get the options

but gets the penalty. It is quickly taken.

Calm down, says the referee. This is the ball, it should have

gone to 15 here. Jim Hamilton in front of him. He was in. That is the

mist pass again. The dreaded mist pass. Just give it to the man on the

outside. It is a bit of a worriy with Johnny

Beattie down. It does not look too good. It might be the end of things

for Johnny Beattie. That is a big loss in the back row.

That is a significant stat there. Four penalties. The one pleasing

aspect for Scotland will be the penetration of the French ball

carriers. They haven't gone forward. That's been their problem throughout

the tournament. They haven't carried the ball. I don't know who their

ball carriers are. Then they are going wide, it make it is easier for

the Scottish defence to soak it up. You have to go forward first. They

are not making the hardy Rs against the Scottish defence. That is

pleasing for the Scottish management.

Machenaud has to concentrate. And Scotland's lead did not last long,

France is in front again. And almost more worrying than the

three points from Scotland's point of view, is the loss of Johnny

Beattie. The man replacing him had

tonsillitis. Ryan Wilson is coming on. Johnny Beattie will be taken

off. He is a big ball carrier for

Scotland. And he plays in France as well. So he knows the French

opponents. That can help. We have seen Jim Hamilton bringing

that experience to the game. This is it, we rarely play against

the French at international level, but now they play at the Heineken

Cup and they know what is expected of them.

Beattie is still waiting on the stretcher.

We have to wait for him to be carted off, sadly. His father is here.

John Beattie Senior. He was on the bench 30 years ago

when they beat France. And there is JKRowling, not part of the squad but

has had great success in other fields! So, Johnny Beattie is off.

We suspect that his championship, if this is as serious as it looks, his

ankle, his foot, there could be problems there.

Now, France with the lead. Milly Dowler with the hoof. Denton

is waiting. -- Doulan with the hoof.

France with the penalty again. He did call that.

Kelly Brown was off side. Scotland are letting France get too

easily back into their half. A change of law from a couple of

seasons ago, you cannot let the ball be kicked from behind. You have to

go forward. It is against your instincts any way.

Absolutely. And where will we go with this one? It is not straight,

says Chris Pollock. Fair enough, says Pascal Pape.

Clearly not straight. The wind has dropped a little bit but it is

blustery. So how will this scrum go?

France beginning to get the squeeze on, but it was picked up by Denton.

Wrestling with Vahaamahina. JONATHAN DAVIES: He did very well

there, Denton. CHRIS PATERSON: You feel he has got

a point to prove as well, Dave Denton, having been dropped to the

bench for the Italian game. ANDREW COTTER: Tomorrow's game is

one to look forward to as well at Twickenham, England against Wales.

That will be here on BBC One as well. Half past two. And Butland's

line-out fails. France have it. And from that passage of play, it is

now French ball in just about the same position. They have got to cut

the errors out. 20 minutes gone, six penalties conceded. They have had a

few handling errors. And then, if the line-out goes as well, it is

very difficult to get that momentum. I think if they can get good field

position and put the French under pressure, confidence is very low in

the French side. Hamilton gets it back, but it was ball which Kelly

Brown had to tidy up, and he did well. Penalty to Scotland. Scotland

gave away most of the early penalties, but France are beginning

to infringe. On both sides, they are just not releasing in the tackle.

I like that law, I think it does encourage the tackle to move away

from the ball, so the pace of the game can be quicker.

Denton again clashing into the French defence.

Scotland are beginning to make a little bit of ground. Tommy Seymour!

Wonderful hands, wonderful pass, glorious try for Tommy Seymour. That

is a very well worked enemy. Superb play, inside pass, something they

will have worked on in training. It comes back inside, and look at the

finish from Tommy Seymour. That is a great finish. Again, I think there

was a block on Plisson, I would like to see that again. It is a part of

the game, but I think that should have gone to the third official. It

takes us back to the Italian game. Scotland had one going against them

in that game. And the conversion from Laidlaw as

well. Two tries to Scotland, and they lead 14-9. Let's just see this

now, keep your eye on the dummy runner. Stop it there. That was

where Plisson would have been. That is a block, and a penalty for

France. But you play to the referee, and you are given the try. Well

spotted, in real-time. How will France respond to this? It is a

lively old game. Stuart Hogg, he always gets good

distance. Maxime Medard. He looks a little bit unsure of his footing on

this surface. Plisson gives it a straight to Tommy

Seymour. But Tommy Seymour, after the wonders of his try, does

something less impressive. Let's get the thoughts of Ian McGeechan. It is

interesting at the moment watching the referee. A New Zealander, he is

not wanting the scrums to be messing around. He penalised Scotland in the

first one. At the breakdown, he is looking for clear ball, and a mentor

in which an attacking side needs. It is quite interesting looking at his

interpretation of play, particularly at the breakdown. -- the momentum.

A little bit uncertain, that did not look straight, and the referee has

spotted it. That is twice they have gone short to Pape. Well, they had

been going to the back, but with Jim Hamilton there, they have gone

short. Just watch this blog. Number 13, he bangs Plisson out of the way.

It is a great finish. It is a good finish, but he did do well. Plisson,

what he should have done, is filling his arms in the air, to make sure

the referee has seen it. Yes, gone for the Oscar. Exactly!

JONATHAN DAVIES: This early in the game, I just feel, if Scotland cut

out the mistakes, and have confidence in their defence, I

cannot see any ball runners creating any problems for their defensive

line. So, if they can just build on that and get the defence, and get a

good kicking game going, they should win this game, because France have

got no ball runners at all. Another unsatisfactory scrum. This is the

last match on this pitch. It is becoming a hybrid over the summer,

actually quite soon, they are relaying it. One thing that tries

showed as well was that the centre partnership for Scotland is now

showing something. Yes, Matt Scott played a lot of his rugby at

stand-off as a youngster. For Duncan Weir to deliver the past, and Matt

Scott to take and give so quickly under pressure, it was a lovely

score. Great hands. The front rows have had their talking to.

REFEREE: Come on, fellas. The referee echoing the thoughts of

everyone in here. But then again, if you are going to have the upper hand

in the scrum, especially Domingo, they are going to play at it. He

seems to be staying solo that Geoff Cross cannot get to the same height

as him. At is better, and Scotland get it

away. Matt Scott laying it back. The kick from Laidlaw, for Seymour. The

French getaway to do land. Plisson, straight to Denton. He has had three

nothing kicks now, Plisson. He is unsure what he wants to do. A huge

thump from Stuart Hogg. Scotland have made a net game of some yards

there. Yes, Plisson early on, he orchestrated the French, and someone

in his team has said, put your boot on it. What is Bastareud doing in

the team if he is not going to carry the ball? He really relaunched his

career a few years ago, when he scored a couple of tries. He can be

a very potent weapon. Lawson has really taken his chance

back in the side. Matt Scott, Duncan Weir, wide it

goes. Sean Lamont has to check. Penalty this time to France. Yes,

Bastareud had his hands on the ball. They had to clear him out. Yes, we

saw Matt Scott coming to first receiver, and then got tackled, so

they lost a centre for the second phase, and that was crucial. The

support was too slow to clear out Bastareud, who won the penalty.

Max Evans is coming onto the wing, with Sean Lamont going off. A very

different type of player. Scotland have lost a little bit of power in

Lamont. Max Evans plays his rugby in France.

Huget does well. He likes to counterattack, Dulin, doesn't he?

Bastareud off-loads nicely. Trying to get over that one was Dunbar.

Good take by Nicolas Mas. And good strength.

Huget, tremendous skills he has. He off-loads to Chouly. Plisson once

more. That was a big hit. France come down the crowded blindside.

Brice Mach, tackled by Richie Gray. Penalty to France again. Scotland

not releasing in the tackle. He is consistent, very consistent. Big

workload from the French side, carrying the ball, not gaining a

huge amount of yardage. Plisson, the two previous kicks I think stopped

him kicking on that occasion. REFEREE: Number one, not releasing.

Yes, you have to release once you have made the tackle.

France, not looking great on the line-out, and looking a bit shabby

again. So, Scotland have the chance to counter.

Stuart Hogg once again in the fly half position. And Scotland creep

back into the French half. Good kick from Stuart Hall, coming into first

receiver, as Duncan Weir had to go in and clear out the ball. It shows

his talent and his versatility, coming in there, and getting a good

kick away. This was the line-out again. It is very difficult, if you

cannot hit your front jumper when no one is jumping against you, you have

got problems. They are missing Benjamin Kayser and Dimitri

Szarzewski, both injured. And that one was a bit of a mess as well.

France suffering problems that Scotland had in the first half of

the game. Duncan Weir give it is on to Ryan

Wilson. Dulin has it, he is taken down by

Evans. Machenaud is under pressure. France do well.

It is a very good counter drive. But well, Scotland will have the

scrum! The one fascinating thing about Scotland that is clear

dominating is the kicking game. For the French kicking game, the chase

is poor. This is the kick that Laidlaw put in once again. Put the

French under pressure. Their kicking game and their chase is far better

than the French, Scotland. Yes, Laidlaw, that came off his left

foot. He noticed that the French right-winger was up. He was looking

for an opportunity to either tackle the French or to hold them up and

get the turn over. So well played. It now gives an opportunity for

Scotland to build a few phases. They are still giving plenty of

instructions, Greig Laidlaw. I wonder if he is under burdened by

Kelly Brown taking over the captaincy.

Well, these two are certainly helping Scotland this afternoon.

There is a red button forum to discuss all sorts of things after

this game and looking ahead to tonight.

And talk about Ireland, they have a huge position in the points

situation now. And Scotland with a great game. Going for a heave.

Succeeding with a drive. Denton picks, Laidlaw has.

Wilson makes more ground. Scotland by muscle and strength and drive are

trying to get up to the five-metre line. .

A brilliant turn over. Watch how he waits here. A massive turn over. And

the clearing kick from Machenaud does not quite find the touch.

Hoggard with a drop-goal attempt. It is not going to make it.

And Bastareaud, what an effort that was in defence from the giant centre

and Brice Dulin, giving it away. Great rugby by France! What a shame.

Scotland will have the scrum. I tell you, great play by Dulin.

The chase wasn't good from the drop-kick.

And then he goes for that. I tell you what, I thought Scotland were

wrong there. The scrum was very, very strong. Denton was going

forward. They should have milked the penalty. He waits, he goes in, he

swoops, he gets the ball, a massive turn over. That is an all or

nothing, isn't it? He has come out of position. Then Stuart Hogg has

missed the drop-goal. He sees the space here. It ends in a knock-on

but a fantastic endeavour from the French.

They are five points ahead now. They should have held that ball in the

scrum. They got the penalty. Maybe could have gone in with another

three points ahead. It was a strong scrum. Driving forward, Geoff Cross

was putting pressure on Domingo. Greig Laidlaw should have just

slapped him on the back to say keep it in and go for the three points.

This is Scotland's scrum again but back on the halfway line.

Geoff Cross popping up there with a penalty to France. So a couple of

scrums there. They are very different. France may have a chance

to get their way up the field and forge a scoring opportunity before

half-time. Well they need something. They are

rudderless at the moment. I just can't see who is managing the game

for them. Who is controlling the game? Jules Plisson is too deep. He

is kicking badly. There is no go forward and this is the penalty.

He is not driving straight there, is he? Domingo is coming in. He should

be pushing in. The shoulders going forward and driving on, but the

French crowd are trying to get behind their team to lift them

before half-time. A minute-and-a-half of this first

half is remaining. Improvised clearing out there.

France have the penalty. There is a permanent look of

bafflement. He is one of those players on the edge of the laws as a

lot of good forwards have to be. It is going to be a proper goal. Is big

decision in itself. He doesn't have to move but he can't

go back on to the ball. OK. I don't think Kelly Brown

understood any of that. Neither did any of us here.

Well, 30 seconds to go. It will be a proper goal to finish this half.

It is not an easy one on that angle. Machenaud has been pretty tidy so

far. And it ends in a miss missed kick

for France. He may have time to re-start here, but no.

There are a few seconds remaining, says Chris Pollock, but no.

So, just penalties for France. Two tries for Scotland.

Scotland are the better side. They look far more dangerous. If they

play in the right areas, get the defence right, they should go on to

win this game. Two drives to nil. Scotland are 14-9 up at the break.

Well after all of the fireworks and the anthems and the celebrations,

mistakes dominated the first six or seven minutes of the match. A bit

scrappy to start with. The French going ahead with the boot. Although

the boot has not always been their best friend, but then Stuart Hogg

got Scotland's first try. A second came through Tommy Seymour. Two

tries-and-a-half for Scotland. They have not scored a try in the last

three Six Nations home games until today. So an improved Scotland home

performance for sure. 14-9 leading the French and the French line now

has been stolen many times by the Scots. Scotland conceding more

penalties than France. That is worrying. The difference at the

moment it is only five points. It felt like Scotland should have put

their noses ahead even more on the first half. Do you agree? Like

Scotland has a bit more of the game than a 9 scoreline? Yes, a bit more

than that. France are still in the game. It is dangerous for Scotland

that they have not been able to capitalise, but an encouraging 40

minutes. They have done well. They have scored two tries.

And for the first six or seven minutes, there was French pressure

but the mistakes were scrappy. Not the ideal start? It was the errors

giving France the opportunities. That got them the first six points

on the board. Once they settle down a little bit, they got the carries

going. The back row have been carrying well. They have stolen six.

And the turn over ball is huge. These are four Scotland forwards,

who are having to defend the whole French back play. Alex Dunbar is

coming in here. He is highlighted. He controls this well. You give him

the outside, then he makes a poor tackle. He should make that poor

tackle. Then a great covering tackle from Duncan Weir and Dave Denton,

but then this followed a few minutes later. This is when France were on

the front foot. Scotland's scramble defence was really, really good.

Showing commitment and effort to get across. They kept the line in tact.

That was hugely important at the start of the game.

The Stuart Hogg try, that was a great piece of thinking and action

to see from him. It came from the gap, from the chargedown from

Machenaud? It was good pressure on the half backs, but they had gotten

the penalty. So here, a good turnover ball. The penalty is

coming. This is a kick for nothing. A great decision. A big dead ball

areas, they don't get control of it and howing howing -- -- Stuart Hogg

follows up with a kick. Watch here, Huget tries twice but he

never got the pressure. His reaction was great. As a player

if it happens to you, you would react if you scored a try. He was

convinced, no doubt in his mind? Oh, yes. He knew there would be no

downward pressure. He was going for the try. It was very good rugby on

the turnover ball. It gave a confidence to Scotland really to

settle their game a bit. Which they did.

And he, as a player, we talked about in Rome, when Scotland are playing

well, he is a confident player, a fair player, want him to have the

freedom to make that decision? And he has it.

He is coming in to be the first playmaker. He played ten in the

Lions in the last summer. He clearly has the anlt -- has the ability.

This how he should be used. People think he should be a ten, but I

think this is the best of him as a full back.

There was a moment of doubt it should have gone to TMO? Watch this

clearly. Alex Dunbar comes in. He knocks out Plisson. That creates the

gap for Tommy. If he has knocked him, there is no way that Seymour

would have gone for the ball. Plisson, any other player, would

have thrown his hands up in the air and demanded that the referee take

notice of it. He then could have gone up to the TMO. That is allowed

to do happen these days. Plisson does nothing. That is naive. You

throw your hands up in the air and exaggerate what has happened. It is

an experience. I think he was not thinking after that. He knew he was

in the wrong place. He could not react. He made no reaction. It did

not highlight it for the referee, so the referee was not coming back to

the TMO. France is struggling. There is

little to say that is going right for them. Scotland's line-up was in

a similar predicament until Richie Gray came back.

Scotland here, look at France, Scotland are competing and Richie

Gray is getting up on Jim Hamilton there but some of the throwing in

has not been as good. When you don't have the line up, you don't have

control of the field position. They are kicking poorly. It compounds

itself. When you don't have a platform, you lose your shape. You

can see the French tactics change. Obviously they were not getting the

line-out ball. Plisson kicks poorly from the half-way line. They could

have kept it in hand. After that, they go back to possession of their

own, they keep it in the hand. They are rying to keep the ball in play

now, rather than to kick it out and to give them that problem.

Certainly, they are dangerous on the counterattack, but it shows that

tactically, they are not clear about how they are wanting to put their

game together. Scotland, really, they should be keeping the pressure

on. If you are winning your opponent's line-out, you get the

territory that goes with it. Because they cannot get out of their own

half. They look a more assured side this

team. Greig Laidlaw have two shots at the captaincy, while Kelly Brown

was gone, deciding his future. He looks more relaxed today? They do.

This back line is the third game running it has been the same seven

players. They are beginning to run off players well. They have tried

this week with Seymour. Dunbar two weeks ago. That is understanding of

the players around you. You get that from the consistency of the

selection. That is what France don't have.

They start the day hoping to be in with a chance of winning the

championship. Earlier today at the Aviva Stadium, Ireland took Italy

themselves looking to retain the poll position but also the last game

at home for a rather impressive centre.

The day of Brian O'Driscoll's farewell of his home stadium in

Dublin. Jonny Sexton! The Leinster

partnership works. Smashed in the tackle by Andrew

Trimble, but away comes Sarto. He is going to score! Oh, the game

blossoms, one try each! There is merely a clearance amongst the

medics, but not quite. Andrew Trimble! Yes! Cian Healy waits,

ducks, passes. Try for the prop. Sexton, O'Driscoll again. Great

off-loads from Ghiraldini. Jonny Sexton! Sweet try. They have a

chance to break out themselves. No, they have handed it back to Ireland.

McFadden scores! It looks as if Ireland have scored,

and it is Jack McGrath who has been awarded the try.

Ireland will be looking to take the title in their final game in Paris.

If they are watching this, they will not be too scared. Before that, we

have a potential title eliminator, the loser being out of the race,

coming up tomorrow. Get your Sunday lunch timings sorted now, get your

roast in early. And here at Murrayfield, as we approach the

second half, much more encouraging signs from Scotland. They have built

on what we saw in Rome. France, though, building on the thing from

that defeat against Wales. They are aside which looks like they do not

know each other, there is little to be positive about? And I think the

first 15-20 minutes, Scotland have to be patient and build on what they

have been doing well, try and keep France back in their own territory,

keep pressurising them at the line-out, and they will pick points

up. If Scotland get the first score, France could become individual about

what they do, and that is when you have got a France side which can

fall apart, although it can be dangerous. Looking at the French

players coming out of the tunnel, they do not seem to be coming out

with any kind of purpose. The coming back to the analysis, which has been

positive for Scotland and negative for France, but the scoreline is

still only 14-9. You cannot allow any team, particularly France, to

stay in the game. Scotland have conceded nine penalties, to two for

France. So they have to be wary. Yes, and Scotland were quite

fortunate, there was a penalty right underneath the posts. I would love

to see Scotland running out with a bit of purpose, as they are now.

Because they have got this game. In the first 10-15 minutes, if they can

really put France away, then I think the French confidence will erode.

Definitely. And it is that 15 minutes. If they score first, it

will be interesting to see how France we act.

IAN MCGEECHAN: From a French point of view, they seem to be caught

tactically between two or three games. Thank you very much, both of

you. A beautiful early spring evening here at Murrayfield,

conditions perfect. The pitch can get churned up as much as it once,

because this is its final 40 minutes.

ANDREW COTTER: No changes to either side at half-time. Scotland made

that change during the first half, with Johnnie Beattie going off. So,

Scotland have 40 minutes to try and get their second win in this RBS Six

Nations jumping ship. And France are up against it. Early promise in the

Championship for France, but they are beginning to look a little bit

more feeble. An early charge for Vahaamahina.

JONATHAN DAVIES: Another nothing kick from Plisson, just inviting

Stuart Hogg to come back and put pressure on France. So, France have

the ball, but on the fringes of their own 22. Plisson. Jim Hamilton

nearly got something on that. Stuart Hogg just waiting inside the 22. A

beautiful spiral on that kick. Great kick. I just feel that if Scotland

play the right game tactically, play in the right areas, with their

kicking game, I cannot see France breaking them down, at the moment.

CHRIS PATERSON: There was no intensity to the chasing of that

kick there, from the French. That was a dreadful throw. He just

slapped it back. Just watch this. Have that, go on! Vahaamahina. There

he is, from the French South Sea Islands. Philippe Saint-Andre there.

Scotland getting at the very least parity in the scrum now. Scott. Very

good run again. The strains of Flower Of Scotland as Kelly Brown

picks up. France trying to seal off that ball. Stuart Hogg comes back

infield, looks for support runners. It comes from Laidlaw.

So, Duncan Weir comes into play scrum-half.

Weir, swallowed up by the blue shirts.

Stuart Hogg in the fly half position again. Taken well by Max Evans, who

keeps on going... Into the 22. Ryan Grant lays it back, Chouly

trying to get in there. Stuart Hogg once again in the first receiver

position. Space out wide. Anthony Weiner with the chip. It goes into

touch. They have just got to keep their

composure and patience now. Yes, I think the better option would have

been to keep it in hand. Richie Gray is quick, but he was never going to

get on the end of that. He is not that quick! We spoke about how

quickly the French defence was coming forward in the first half,

but now, it is barely coming forward at all. This time, the line-out

taken by Maestri. Machenaud barking instructions. Vahaamahina is told to

come in, and does so. He has it. That has been stolen! Now, Scotland

have a chance! With men out wide! Interception! It could be a try for

Yoann Huget? He goes the length of the park to score! Try for France.

And Huget has done it again. Why, oh, why do you throw a miss pass? !

Just be patient, not where you are, and put it through the house. It was

a great turnover. He does not need to miss one out! Why, oh, why do you

throw a miss pass in that situation?! It was an all or nothing

intercept. Great decision by Huget, he timed it well. It was all he

could do. You can see the desire in the Scottish guys to get back. But

Huget is a class act, great decision, great execution. For all

the world, it seemed as if Scotland were going to score a try there.

That is a kick in the teeth. That should have been a Scottish try. It

will be all about how Scotland react to that as well. It is a massive

swing in emotion, so it is about how they react. You can see Machenaud

taking his time, settling his nerves. So, France lead. A French

team which was looking rather meek and feeble at the start of the

second half, but that might be just the kick-start they need. Scotland

just have to trust that they have been in control of this game, and

they can get there again. CHRIS PATERSON: Absolutely, and it

goes back to the set piece. Keep pressurising the French line-out.

But the French have quality throughout the side, as we saw with

that 90 metre effort from Huget. So, what does that do to France, what

does it do to Scotland? Stuart Hogg, a little step. Garry Monk class

player, Stuart Hogg, I like the look of him.

Seymour just about holds on to Brice Dulin. And here is Huget. The

referee just checking about a possible high tackle. But it is

fine. So, Stuart Hogg once again. Chasing down his own kick, but

Machenaud does well to get that away. I think Stuart Hogg has

injured himself in the tackle. Kelly Brown gets to the ground to get the

ball, and Stuart Hogg is just about OK, still feeling that. Scotland

have just got to be patient. It is only a 2-point game.

Jules Plisson has gone off, Remi Tales is on at fly half for France.

JONATHAN DAVIES: Scotland have got to keep their shape, not just chuck

the ball about. That is what France will want, if there is no shape to

the game. They have got to keep their shape, keep their structure,

heat their kicking game going and grind out the results. This was the

overlap. Just watch this. They have got Stuart Hogg coming on the

outside, and the winger as well. That was an absolute walk in for

Scotland. That was a game changer. It is on! Denton has it. A roar from

the crowd. Miss pass again, no need. Well picked up by Jim Hamilton

Hamilton. Great hands. The penalty comes to France. I have to say, that

is very good play. That try might galvanise them.

He has found touch. It was almost punishment, wasn't it?

Listen to Murrayfield again, it is French.

So, the replacement hooker, the Perpignan hooker. It was only a

matter of time before Brice Dulin got heaved off. Never to be seen

again. And Pape is at the front.

I think they have to load the front now. There is no confidence in the

hooker throwing the ball beyond the first jumper. Even that was not

straight. It is very rarely you see that. Dave Denton is up in front. It

is unusual to see three up in the front.

And it gets into the mind of opposing hookers. So, Scotland are

making a change now. Ros Ford is coming on for Scott Lawson. He will

be keen to have a big impact as well. A powerful player. His

line-out throwing, that was his doubtful in recent games.

-- This is where the referee is so

confused. It is confusing, even for the best referee.

The front rows are trying to play tricks as well.

Princess Anne here today, the patron of the Scottish Rugby Union.

I think that Prince Albert of Monaco is supposed to be here as well.

There he is. A free kick to Scotland. They will

take that certainly. That is a big decision in itself, but Scotland

have to try and find that field position and that ascendency that

this had not long ago. Weir, sending it high for the chase.

Nothing doing there for the try scorer, but he gets it back.

Machenaud just gets that kick away. It is a good outcome, a free kick

for Scotland. Hedge hedge did the right thing

there. So, the first line out throw for Ross Ford. -- Huget.

Richie Gray come comes back. Scotland want to string together a

few phases. To get back in the feel of things.

Ryan Grant is doing that now. Laidlaw give it is to Scott. The

ball is spilled by Dunbar. A French scrum.

Yeah, they tried to move it when Scotland were making yards close to

the break down. I thought that they would keep it in there and try to

win a penalty, but they could not pluck that out of there. They don't

need to be expansive now. They are winning the game line battle. The

forwards are carrying the ball well. Denton, Richie Gray, even Jim

Hamilton is doing it. Just get in a good field position and get the

penalty out of them. Now France, certainly, with the line

up being a mess, the scrum has not had the edge over Scotland.

That wasn't straight. Well they get the shove now. Hoping

for the penalty to arrive. Machenaud flings a wayward pass. The pressure

is now on Dulin. What are they doing? This is not a

vintage French side. Scotland have a couple on it as

well. One mis mistake and they have to get

that confidence back. Huget was up on that one and Ryan

Grant up, but a forearm touching the line there. It will be a French

line-out. The French have changed their stand

off. The number 22 coming on, but there is still a lack of direction.

Ryan Grant picked up the loose ball. I thought he was going to make it at

one point, but is this is same outcome? Look at the possessions in

the second half. That really comes from the set piece.

2% of that possession is the interception, which makes a

difference, I think. You want the scrum-halves to manage

the game for you. You need some experience maybe

coming from the bench. We will see what comes in the next 25 minutes.

We talked about it before the match, the number of players missing for

French. Senior figures. It looked a little squint from Scotland this

time. They have just gone a bit ragged now

on both sides. It has the feel that it is almost

the end of the game. Yet after that interception, it was hairy, but

there are still 20-odd minutes to go. Somebody really has to take a

grip of this game. . Well, I'm sure that there is

desperate desire on both sides to win this match, but it has fallen a

little bit in the last few minutes this match. France to scrum.

And Scotland get on there and get the free kick.

The squint feed is picked up this time by the referee.

That is confident. A confident decision.

Well a brave decision by Scotland to take the scrum again. I think they

felt they had a little bit of a nudge on in the last scrum.

Alexandre Flanquart is witting to come on in the sec row.

A penalty this time to Scotland. He was pointing the finger at

Domingo. We saw that the first time. Chris,

you know, is this right on the end of his distance? I think he has the

range. He has the distance. The long range. The pitch on the football

causes a concern, but he has the range here. It is awise decision to

take the scrum. You can see it clearly there,

Domingo coming right across. He has to push straight. His shoulders have

to go forward. Right under the referee's nose. As clear a penalty

as you will see. Look Looking at the pitch, this is

right on the end of his range. Will it get there? No it will not.

Just shy. Heading towards the final quarter,

still two points in it. France will get a chance to make

their changes now. The prop is waiting to come on as

well. Alexandre Flanquart is waiting to

come on. Maestri is going off. There is Rabah Slimani. He was sent off

against Italy. He head-butted a player.

Alexandre Flanquart is on the second row. He is the Stade Francais lock.

There is Kelly Brown, Scotland are still with it. Still making some

progress. Ryan Grant again. A penalty again and closer this time.

I do like Matt Scot, though. He takes the ball to the line. He

engages before off loading. I thought Scotland a little too deep

then and the defence drifted across. He has to go for it again. Two

points. He has to go for goal. Well, Duncan Weir is going to go for goal.

Duncan has a longer range, a bigger boot, really. Stuart Hogg may have

been asking for it as well, but that again, the consistency from the

referee. It gives Duncan Weir an opportunity. A hero in Rome and an

unfortunate moment for the French try, but an opportunity here.

But Greig Laidlaw, he is a very good kicker but the kicking statistics

are poor this year. You need 08%.

-- you need 80%. You need a high percentage.

Duncan Weir to give Scotland the lead. It is good once again. Duncan

Weir puts Scotland in front by a point as he did against Italy two

weeks ago. He does here today against France. There are 18 minutes

to go. Scotland, 17. France-16.

That should give them confidence now. Just get the ball and play the

territorial game and close it out. There is Brice Dulin. Up into the

dark sky it goes. Comes back well for France. Now a bit of zip for

France. Looking for the off-load. A little knock-on there. Scotland will

have the scrum. There is a bit of a knock to Jim Hamilton. Let's get the

thoughts of Jim. Scotland just have to be patient

now. They have to use their big carriers. Denton has been carrying

well. Richie Gray is coming into the game. I have to force France onto

the back foot. If they keep that patience, then they will get more

scoring opportunities. Jim Hamilton is OK. There is the

coaching team. Jonathan Humphreys in the front row. Also there is the

scrum coach. And strike up the band again, as

Flower Of Scotland breaks out. France have broken the gain line

only 13 times. But they have a good position here. The referee decided

it was their ball. That is a better scrum from France, just holding it

and waiting for a penalty to arrive. Well, they often do in that

situation, but the referee just says, scrum again.

CHRIS PATERSON: Yes, I think the referee blew up for an injury to Jim

Hamilton, when the French were in possession. That looks like a

dominant scrum to me! JONATHAN DAVIES: Are you saying he

made a mistake?! Dominant scrum anyway, that's for sure. Yes, it

was, very dominant. Again, good position, and the French backs split

on either side. It is a very central scrum.

Time for the French to sing the Marseillaise.

15 minutes to go, a one point game. Great atmosphere inside Murrayfield.

And France surely this time... Scrum again. Again, it looked as if France

were beginning to move forward. Let's see what the referee says.

REFEREE: If there is an issue, I cannot leave this site, so I need

you to deal with this. That is all he has done, he has pulled them

across a bit, to a better bit of grass, if he can find it. Well, it

has been a while since we have been playing, but we will get going again

soon. Yes, this scrum has gone on a bit, hasn't it? Just a reminder,

England against Wales on BBC One tomorrow afternoon. Both sides still

in with a chance of the title. Ireland in the box seat after their

thumping win over Italy. France getting shoved back. And this time

it turns around, and little things like that become very, very big,

coming towards the end of the match. It was a good scrum from Scotland. A

lot of maturity shown. The initial push went with the French on three

occasions. I do not know how that is a Scotland scrum, mind. The last

movement was probably forward. Vahaamahina has just gone off, to be

replaced in the back row by Antoine Claassen. I have watched him play,

he will give and go forward. We have been here in this position

on the field for a good few minutes. But it is now Scottish ball, instead

of French. And Antoine Claassen has gone to number eight, so Chouly has

moved across onto this nearside. That scrum was not straight. So

who's ball is it now? It is an arm-wrestling. Good work by Chouly,

and it is French ball. But here come France. Bastareud. Now

comes the power! Bastareud goes to within ten metres! France finally

coming to life, perhaps. Maxime Medard tries to step inside. Richie

Gray all over him. Denton has load that up. The replacement hooker

takes it in. And they are getting closer. But it has been fumbled!

Turnover. Laidlaw kicks away the advantage. They will come back at

them if they go wide. A strange passage of play. That

passage of play, the knock-on first of all, that was a poor pass,

really. It is not in front of him at all. Then he drops it. And then

Scotland get a scrum with Dulin running into his own player. That is

shambolic play by France. Yes, Dulin has been one of the informed

full-backs in the Championship. He is either trying to force it to

much, or they are just really unclear about what they are trying

to do. There was so much open space for him to attack. There is a

comparison of the two full-backs. Two very talented full-backs. Dulin

looks like a bright talent, from a long line of great French

full-backs. Talking of talent, coming on in the centre for France

is fico. Jim Hamilton is going off, to be replaced by Tim Swinson. *

also off. And varies Gael Fickou, still just 19 years old. And Domingo

has been replaced as well. The second half has been passing

very slowly, so many stoppages. It is still a very finely balanced

game. Scotland have it. They have just got

to put this in the corner, play down there. Good defence by Chouly. Ross

Ford. Denton, over the halfway line. Eventually, Weir decides to kick.

The French call for the mark. STEVE DAVIS: --

JONATHAN DAVIES: They will be happy with that, Scotland. They will have

the throwing, after this. But that is a very good kick. He has played

well, Brice Dulin. In a side which is up against it. He has appeared

all over the place. His kicking to touch has been good, he has been at

first receiver, second receiver, counterattacking, a real bright

spark in this French performance. He always looks to run the ball.

What is the plan for the replacement hooker here? It goes to Richie Gray.

Ten minutes to go. A single-point in it.

Taken well by Huget. Machenaud again. He runs into Ross Ford. Why

would you run into a front were forward?! Two of them! But they did

well after that, France. However, Scotland will have the scrum. Time

is now against France. The contact area is forcing France to put more

numbers in. As you can see here, Machenaud gets stopped and also they

stop him getting the ball back, and Scotland get the scrum.

It is worth pointing out again that Scotland have not beaten France

since 2006. In fact, France have won 14 of the last 15 meetings between

the two countries. They will not get a better chance. Huget going the

length of the field, when Scotland had been within ten metres of the

French line. But Duncan Weir, who was the hero in Rome, got the

penalty to put Scotland back in front here tonight. That is where we

find ourselves with eight minutes to go.

Scotland cannot just hang on here, they have to try and put it beyond

doubt. Yes, keep on playing, keep carrying the ball, look for that

penalty, drop goal, anything. Just keep on playing, play in the right

areas. It is turning into a scrumathon, it will be boring

everyone to death, except Brian Moore! He will be enjoying every

moment! So, the crowd tries to inject some urgency, with seven

minutes to go. Again, that does not look straight, but the referee

eventually gives a penalty to Scotland.

Another chance to get three more points, although it is beyond 40

metres or so. CHRIS PATERSON: That was a huge

effort from the pack. It did not look particularly straight, I must

admit. It is so hard to call. And the knock-on effect of a penalty

could be massive. The penalty was actually a little bit closer than

this, but Duncan Weir said, can I find some firmer ground? The referee

said, you can, but you have to go back. So, he has gone back a metre

or two. You can see the posts swaying in the

wind. Wide and short. So, one point still

the difference, with five minutes remaining.

Another substitution. Jean-Marc Doussain comes on for Maxime

Machenaud at scrum-half. The wind just takes it away at the last

minute. They have missed two kicks now. Stuart Hogg sends it high

again. And that was Jean-Marc Doussain with his very first touch.

France have five minutes to save themselves. Gael Fickou feels the

pressure. Chouly is there. And it comes back on the Scotland side!

Still with Scotland. Ryan Wilson, however untidy at time,

this second half has been... Yeah, great.

A great steal there. Pape goes in. And all this does now is give them

field position. A big moment in the game. Four

minutes to go. France will have the line-out. The one thing that they

have to do now, Scotland, is to have faith in their defence. They must

not give a penalty away. And put pressure on here. On the

line-out. Will this line-out work for France?

They have good position. Jean Marc Doussain getting it over

sideways. Now France is on the attack.

Jean Marc Doussain. He give it is to Pascal Pape. It goes wide.

Maxime Medard now. Deep into the 22. Scotland are you now defending. They

are defending as if their lives depend on it. This game is in the

balance. This is setting them up for the

drop-goal if they don't go any further.

But they are closing down. Closing in.

Scotland's defence is being stretched and tested.

Up to within eight metres. Jean Marc Doussain, he looks again.

It is carried on by Alexandre Flanquart. A penalty to France! It's

the same panality he's given all day.

He's been consistent. He has. I would like to see it

again, whether Kelly was tackled or not.

It is actually, Tim Swinson. Swim

Tim Swinson has to let go of that. Well, Machenaud is off.

It could be a fairly simple kick to give France the lead.

He is going to leave himself with a minute.

Well done, Jean Marc Doussain. Whatever you think about the

decision, the boos inside Murrayfield are not nice to hear.

France had the lead with just one minute remaining. The re-start is so

important now. Duncan Weir with a little chip down the middle.

So the pressure is coming in. Dulin going for length with a kick.

That's a very, very good kick under the circumstances. Come on.

It was Dulin again. He cleared it down the field for his

team. Let's quickly do Man of the Match.

I think that Grant has played well for Scotland, so has Ryan, and

Richie Gray and Stuart Hogg but Dave Denton is my obvious Man of the

Match. And France may have the ball and

they may well have this victory. Scotland's hopes are about to

disappear. In a match that they will wonder how on earth they have lost?

Jean Marc Doussain says is it over? Yes, the kick is out. France have

the victory, one that is so dear and precious to them, but the boos

around Murrayfield are only questioning how on earth did

Scotland lose that? They should have won that game. Changed the game in

the last 20 minutes, kept on driving up the middle. Kept on with the

kicking game. The one interception drained the confidence away from the

Scottish side. They will look back on this and think, how on earth did

Scotland lose this game? The only opportunity was the interception.

They took that penalty chance. Somehow they kept themselves in the

game, but, unbelievable, how France came out on top of that game.

And how important to get a kick, from a distance of 45, 50 yards to

get the penalty. They missed two penalties, that would have put them

away from the fence. Taken the confidence from France and they

could have gone on to win, but by throwing the interception pass,

missing the two kicks at goal. One opportunity from field position and

they get beat. A reminder of the scorers, two tries

for Scotland. Stuart Hogg and Tommy Seymour. Scotland were threatening

the France try line but again a win which for France, I suppose, it is

still technically keeping them within a chance of the title, but

slim hopes with the points difference, but they play Ireland.

So it is still there for them, but not a championship-winning calibre

of a French side. The best team for me have been

Ireland. A great game on England and they deserved their win, but looking

at it on form, Ireland should go to France and win, but who knows with

the French side? Who knows? They had a couple of tries, they had the

chance of winning and they had the Man of the Match. Dave Denton is

talking to Jill. Well, David, rugby can be a cruel

game. It could have been Scotland's way but not today, your thoughts on

this one? This is one of the most disappointing feelings that I have

had in the Scotland jersey. We were lucky out there. I would like to say

thank you to everyone that came out today and to the England came a

couple of weeks ago. The support for the Six Nations has been incredible.

Credit to the boys we played really well. It was very close.

Scant consolation, I am sure but you are the BS Man of the Match today,

but how are you proud of the men that played today? I am hugely

proud. This is a French team that came here

to beat us up and take us on at the set piece. This is an area that

dominated the game. Thank you very much, David.

David Denton, the Man of the Match, but thoroughly disappointed as no

doubt the whole Scotland dressing room will be, walking away with a

defeat. It looked for all the world that was a game for the taking for

Scotland. They lost 17-19. Ireland have beaten Italy, 46-7. And

Ireland are in the box seat. After that performance, you would that I

that Ireland go to their next game as the fancied team to emerge

victorious with the championship, but let's talk about this win and

that performance. A fine example of snatch snatching defeat from the

jaws of Scotland, wasn't it? It was, but all they had to do was to give

France a penalties. It was the only way to get into Scotland's half.

Scotland were controlling the line-outs. Controlling the

possession. It was going back into the French half. They just had to

stay patient. That was disappointing. They will look at

themselves and say, you know, a couple of penalties given away. Soft

penalties. This was the penalty that gave France the opportunity to kick

down to then get this opportunity to then be taken forward. Tim Swinson

there, he does not release the ball carrier. He goes in and pulls the

ball back. If you look at it here, he has not

released the ball carrier. You have to release the tactic player.

And it has been pointed out that the referee is a Kiwi, he is strict on

that. He did that. Yes. He likes to see the ball freed

up and to see the players on his feet. He was consistent all game. If

you were attacking on the front foot, generally, he stayed with you.

Huget is there applauding the French fans. He scored his third try of the

championship. It should have been no try at all.

Here Duncan Weir puts the long pass out. You don't need to when you have

an overlap. It is schoolboy stuff. There is no way that Dave Denton was

ever going to stop the right-winger. It was a complete 14-point swing.

Look at it here. When Duncan Weir takes it forward. Stop it here,

everyone just needs to run straight it is a run in for Stuart Hogg or

Seymour, but Huget takes the angle. You don't throw a mispass when an

overlap. You just give them the opportunity to do exactly that.

That was at 14-9. Scotland could have won that game.

Let alone the swing of confidence that the French got from that. They

were playing like a group of desperate individuals, weren't they?

They were. They were getting isolated. They were running out from

the 22. When you have potentially a two-man overlap, to get rid of

defenders you use the hands. You don't take attackers away. That is

what Scotland did. Of course, if the ball is in the air for a second, you

can run a long way in a second as Huget has shown. Really it should

have been a walk-in, a walk-in down the left-handside. A good lesson for

Duncan Weir. He is finding his feet in international rugby. He was the

Man of the Week in rugby last week. They could have redeemed themselves

today. At 17-16, his kick nudged Scotland in front, but a couple of

missed kicks to are Scotland. That was disappointing, but it was also

alluded to that the percentages are not high enough? But this was not an

easy kick. This is Greig Laidlaw. Duncan Weir is here. As Chris said

in commentary, when you are on the limit, you have to force it, the

wind drifted that. That had the legs but it went past. On fine margins

games are won and lost. Two weeks ago he was on the right side of the

ledger, today he was on the wrong side. He has to learn that.

The French, there were all areas of the game when they were falling

apart. Here they had an opportunity to counter attack. This goes back to

it. It was just farcicle? I don't think that Scotland will have a

better opportunity to beat France than here today. We talked about the

key players missing, the bang row but the team that came out today,

this is possibly about the worst counterattack ever.

But I have to say, that there was nothing there. The French only

scored with the one opportunity that they had. That was a missed

opportunity. Maybe we were being kind in not

showing that farcicle attack, Jill has hold of the French coach.

Imagine that there are happy players in your dressing room? Yes. We

picked the win you know. Fair play to Scotland. They played very well.

They played with a lot of spirit. They scored a good try in the first

half. The guys carried on. Our discipline was good today. At the

end of the game we managed to win, but I can't say it was our best

game, but today it is a win. It is three wins in four games. So we will

prepare for a big game next week. At half-time you were in touching

distance, you asked for patience, you felt in attack that they were

being a little impatient. It paid off? Yes. Two or three times we were

close to the line. We wanted to score too quickly. We

tried impossible passes to build our game.

But we have a lot of work. After Scotland, they are good in line-out.

We have to improve our line-out, but we have to smile.

We have to be positive. A big match next week, can France

spoil the Brian O'Driscoll farewell party? I hope so. I hope that this

party was today in Dublin and not next week in the Stade de France.

Thank you. What an extraordinary championship

it is turning out to be. That they have won three of four games and are

on for the championship. If you watched that performance in detail

today. Of course, England V Wales is to come this weekend. One of those

to be elem nated from the title race tomorrow. We are on air longer for

you tonight. The Red Button from 7.00pm. Get your thoughts and

questions into the panel. The contact is there at the bottom.

They want to hear from you not just on this match but the Six Nations in

general. A little more about today, because there will be a lot of

positives which Scotland will take from that, going into their final

game next week, but a real sense of disappointment as well? Yes, hugely,

because they got the big things right. The line-out and the scrum,

the line-out was a potent attacking part of their game. The scrum held

up tremendously well. We should give the front five a lot of credit. So,

where they should have had all the strong points, and really, a lot of

their play, Denton carried well, Richie Gray was in the game, so,

everything was in place to put France away. And I think that will

be the huge disappointment. In the end the losing of that game was in

Scotland's hands, rather than in France's hands to win it. The key

for developing side is to win these tight games. They did it two weeks

ago. But today they were not able to close it out. If they had come out

of this Championship with two wins, considering where they were when

they played England in the Calcutta Cup, they would have taken it. It

was a much smaller between the two sides, but the fact that this France

side can play so poorly and come away from here with a victory, a

side which has been doing pretty poorly away from home as well. Great

to hear your thoughts, guys, and tapping into your wisdom this

afternoon. That is it from all of us. We are on the red button for the

next half an hour or so. Stay with us. Otherwise we will see you

tomorrow at Twickenham.