France v Scotland Six Nations Rugby

Scotland fans are arriving in Paris. They must be pinching themselves.

The win against Ireland last week was their first opening weekend

victory in more than a decade. It sets up the afternoon clash against

France nicely. They are looking back to back opening wins in the six

nations for the first time ever. The clashes here have been tied recently

but you have to go back a long way for the last Scotland victory.

Townsend. It is on the line. And at the finish. Still on that side. A

first try for France! Just the start to the half Scotland did not need.

And he has got it in touch! This is heartbreaking. He has scored again

for France! They are now moving beyond Scotland. All of the points

for Lopez. It is a missed opportunity. And Duncan Taylor

reaching for the Linux! And still what a finish. -- reaching for the

line! A win for Scotland. Stuart Hogg. It is two. A sneaky way

through for the try. Scotland have won the opening match of this Six

Nations. Yes, it is a numbers game. Of course, Scotland will hope they

are on the right side of the numbers today. Welcome to Paris. Three men

alongside me played in many of the fixtures in the last ten or so

Scotland have failed to win. Tommaso Cassio played the last time Scotland

did defeat France in Paris. You know how hard it is for Scotland to grind

out those victories here. We love having you with us all the time,

Thomas. Especially this fixture because we can dig into the archives

and relive the moment when Scotland were storming of the first half,

really shocking from that day, going on to win the old five Nations. We

started really well. We scored that tried. We were surprised by the

quality of the Scottish game. That was the sort of thing of the team.

They played really well against us. If you do not play a very open game

against Scotland, if you get too conservative, you know you can be

punished. That is why we are scared to play against this Scottish team.

We like to see his blonde peroxide hair that day! That was a mistake. I

think Scotland produced some of the best attacking rugby, five tries in

the first half. Townsend pulling the strings. Michael Leslie going over

for the tries. We have compared this squad, Gabby, to the 1999 squad. I

think this is the first time we have a team that can match that. In the

first of against Ireland we saw an attacking performance almost as good

as that one. The challenge is to come here to a place they have not

won since 1999... Go back over the last ten victories and in the last

few years the victory for France have been quite small. Four points,

seven, seven. It has been closing. How important was that win last year

in Scotland, Skype and -- psychologically? There were lots of

close games, as you said. I remember Scotland leading into the last 20

minutes of the game. France making some changes with a couple of brig

-- big props. Playing the power game. We have to get away from that

this week. How much will it be in the mind of the coaching staff that

at the end of the tournament in May those rankings really count? The

polls are decided for the next World Cup. Scotland are at seven and

France and eight. You need to be a top aide side for those rankings to

be effective. It will be important to be in a good group. Even when we

lost in 99 in the Six Nations, we reach the final of the World Cup.

Maybe losing will not be a bad signal but we have to win this game,

especially in Scotland at home. It could be the start of something for

the French team. Forget the World Cup qualification. If Scotland win

today they go at six, but South Africa, their highest ever position.

Incredible to think we are on the countdown to the end of the career

of Vern Cotter as Scottish coach, he is moving on at the end of the

season. It feels like everything is aligning for this team now. And this

time this squad have been together for at least two or three seasons.

They get to know each other well and they are bonding and you can see

that on the pitch now. We will talk more about these teams in a moment.

This match in Paris as the final instalment of this weekend's Six

Nations. First let's go to Rome. Ireland were the visitors yesterday.

It was a particularly profitable afternoon the two players in

particular. Played back by Sean Healy. Advantage against Ireland. A

number of mistakes. And out wide it goes. CJ Stander! The South African

turned Irishman with his fourth try in green. Ominous for Italy. Still

they go. Within four meters of the line. It comes back to Keith Earls.

CJ Stander once more. From a stand still he drives and scores! What a

try from CJ Stander. CJ Stander again! CJ Stander! It is a hat-trick

for CJ Stander! Ireland have another try. They are ripping Italy apart.

And CJ Stander, three tries for Ireland. What a man, what a moment

and what a game he is having. Gilroy skips inside. Gilroy winning that

debate. Another try for Ireland and Gilroy has his touchdown now. Try

for Gilroy. Defiance to the last. Luke Maclean the... Rolled on from

the RG. He thinks he can do everything. The kick ahead from the

inside flanker. It falls for Gilroy and it has done. Gilroy will be true

for another. Craig Gilroy, his second and Ireland pass the

half-century of points. Fortune favoured Gilroy on that occasion.

Cruel bounce for Italy. This is cruel punishment for Italy.

Advantage being played, how it goes and Gilroy has a hat-trick! -- out

it goes. The tries are raining down for Ireland. They finish with

another, passing 60 points. A record win for Ireland over Italy in the

Six Nations. STUDIO: The first ever bonus point for tries in the Six

Nations for Ireland which could be crucial in the final day if they are

still in the contest. It is hard to see what the positives were for

Italy at all. We know in the match against Wales we had that

stereotypical performance of 50 minutes withstanding the pressure

but yesterday there was not even that for Conor O'Shea's team. It was

based on power. The first half they blew the Italians away and they

could not stop any attacks from CJ Stander, Henshaw, O'Brien. Ireland

are very good at what they do. I have to say Italy, that is 96 they

have conceded in two matches so far. Nine tries yesterday. The next game

is against England at Twickenham in two weeks. We knew Conor O'Shea had

a tough job. We are seeing just how difficult it is. It takes time for a

coach to change his style and culture. I would not judge them too

early. I think this is the start of the journey. They won against South

Africa in the Autumn Internationals. Maybe this match came to early and

they thought the job was done. But they are in front of reality and

they have difficulties against teams like the Irish. And they lost

against Tonga. They are very up and down at the moment. It is important

not to allow those kind of critics who say they should have a

relegation system and give Georgia a chance, these kinds of defeats give

oxygen to those arguments. And they are valid discussions to have with

Georgia. If that continues in the next few matches, England at

Twickenham, be honest, you could see another scoreline, the evidence

suggests they would. That conversation really becomes top of

the agenda. We are about the same page. Have you ever watched the hit

man and her? I always wanted to broker from a disco. Apparently we

are! Apology for being drowned out by the DJ. We love it in Paris.

There was a big game after that one, Wales against England, always a

highlight in the International rugby calendar. Yesterday at tea-time it

did not disappoint. COMMENTATOR England still have it. Jonathan

Joseph. Long. Leigh Halfpenny. Makes the tackle. Here comes Mike Brown.

The Welsh defence is still holding out. Until now! Do not move your

feet! And Wales turn pressure into points. Liam Williams can and

scores! They take the lead. James Haskell.

Joe Launchbury. Change of direction. Brown. He loses the ball. The

referee has the whistle to his mouth. But he is not sure. He's not

sure, he says. And England are one foot short. They drive. Pushing

forward. Young's has to go digging for it. They go over on the right.

Interception! By Dan Biggar! Elliott Daly. Footballing skills from

Elliott Daly. And the position goes from England to Wales. Alun

Wyn-Jones... Wales in no rush but at some stage they are going to have to

clear the lines. Jonathan Davies. Straight down the field towards

George Ford. Farrell. Runs down and scores! England are

going to win again. Danny Care. It has been an outstanding game of

rugby. Eddie Jones is team remain undefeated, 15 games goes to 16

games. England have beaten Wales at the principality Stadium in Cardiff.

Wales, 16. England, 21. STUDIO: So this rocking stadium. Beneath it you

can see the table looks like this heading into the final match of this

round. England of a maximum of eight points but they have not picked up

any bonus points. Ireland have a losing bonus point for coming within

a try and conversion against Scotland and the winning bonus point

against Italy, who knows how significant are those points will be

come the final day of reckoning? Italy yet to get off the mark.

France looking for their first win today and Scotland will be hoping to

join England on eight points or more at the end of today. Let's discuss

that incredible England victory. Wells have been a dominant,

producing a performance we have not seen in a while, especially since

the autumn tests. -- with the autumn tests. -- Wales have been a dominant

force. It had pace, intensity. A fantastic advert for the Six

Nations. The policy was right up there. It came down to a 75 minute

performance by Wales. They could not keep it going. Fatigue set in. They

withstood a lot of pressure. All they are looking to do is clear

their lines. Dan Biggar is not in position. There he is, getting back.

Jonathan Davies is not used to clearing his lines. Doesn't even get

close. That is the 15 yard line. You have got to applause two brilliant

passes but in particular this one from Owen Farrell asked Elliott

Daly. He holds Roberts and Alex Cuthbert. Then a race which Elliott

Daly wins. I thought Cuthbert was going to get him. I thought fatigue

set in. Their semi-different parts. Wales looked like they were there to

kick -- set up Davies. Sinckler ready to make a charge and a great

effort from him. A front row player making the game changer. The angle

that Jonathan Davies is trying to make the touch, because of the

pressure from Sinclair, he puts the ball into the middle of the field.

That is a shortened line Wales have to defend with. What I like about

this English team, they play every movement like the first one. You can

see the quality of the past, the running, Elliott Daly, England, when

you run after Dan Biggar ten minutes earlier, how he managed to go around

and convert and score, unbelievable. They are finding ways to win games.

Owen Farrell is pivotal to that. I think he has had that winning

mentality that he brings. All the players we have highlighted,

Sinclair, that effort was what nobody really sees but Farrell is

the beating heart of the team. You can see him bossing it. When we were

talking about watching... He goes up to the referee and asks how long to

go, he says, ten minutes and he says, I am taking the points, he is

bossing it. It is a squad game. It is an 80 minute game. None of the

starts in the first 20 -- starts the first 20, and the last 20, you play

the whole match. If another team fatigues England are going to

pounce. The England bench made such an impact. Same with France when

Danny Care came on getting the ball away. We saw it again against Wales.

Eddie Jones calls them finishers. Not the bench, finishes. A 23 man

squad, hate guys coming on, they are going to finish the game, and they

have done it two weeks running, so are really affected. They have got

their aura as well. -- effective. Let's go back to last weekend and

find out how these two teams got on. The excitement of the Six Nations

remains a constant. Good John. And a try is going to be scored. Two

chances, two scores. Two tries for Scotland. This is great from

Scotland because they have one. -- won it. France made more metres than

any other team last weekend but that loss against England leaves them

with four straight defeats in the Six Nations. Gina theirs has made

just one change today, in at flanker, Goujon. We will hear a

fascinating story shortly. Just one enforced change as Gough and try to

win the opening two games in the Six Nations for the first time ever.

Ryan Wilson is injured. There was plenty to enjoy last week for the

head coach Vern Cotter and he has been talking to Lee McKenzie. You

have a lot of expense in French rugby with playing and coaching, I

think ran about 17 teams. -- 17 years. Does that give you any

advantage in knowing what France are going to be throwing at Scotland

today? I suppose a little bit of an idea. It is common sense. I suppose.

They have not won a game for a while and they are desperate to win and

they will throw everything at us. They are passionate when they get on

their home soil and gets to 80,000 people supporting them. We've got to

play smart, execute well and try and put the pressure back on them so it

works against them but it is going to be tough. France have a huge

pack. What have Scotland worked on to counteract that and just to be

able to get another hand against Guy Noves side? It is body position and

trying to get down underneath and work hard and try and turn them

around. They go well going forward but probably have trouble turning

around at times. So trying to get them to turn around. Take the wind

out of their sails with some smart kicking. We had to be ready for it.

And what opportunities we do get we had to be able to score with them

and keep the game is as close as we can in the last 20 minutes. And

hopefully try and put some pressure on. And some smart play. The one

thing we know is that there are a lot of Glasgow players in this

Scottish team. Eight of them today. Jones set to join next season. You

coach them on a day to day level. You can see all sorts of reasons why

that would be an advantage. For one thing Glasgow are doing very well

and they bring great optimism and team spirit into the squad.

Confidence is massive at international level. You have got

players here that have defeated Leicester away from home, 43-0. Last

week the win against Ireland was fantastic. They are brimming with

confidence. Finn Russell and Stuart Hogg, when they are on fire they are

difficult to handle. International coaches do not have a lot of time

with their players. We have a nucleus of one club who know each

other and it is a similar style of rugby, Gaby, there are some nuances

which are different but the star they play, off-loading at pace, high

tempo is how Gregor Townsend coaches in Glasgow. Greig Laidlaw, Hugh

Jones, they fit in seamlessly into a well oiled machine. We said earlier

the first half against the Irish last week was a wonderful way to

stop the campaign, the whole Six Nations. It looks like we are on

free fantastic 80 minutes of rugby. The Irish came back a bit in the

second half and thwarted that. Mike, you look closely at how Scotland

took advantage, the forwards in particular, gaining the extra

metres, setting up really quick ball. The back three took the

headlines. The Ford carries were sensational. That got them on the

front foot. Hamish Watson initially get it here. The Irish use a

slightly different techniques to try and hold him up. He moves on. He has

taken a next seven, eight metres. The cow quick that ball is. He

unleashes Finn Russell on the outside to make full use of the

players. Josh doing the same. Players on the pitch making it

regards. Look at that first contact, where it takes place. If that is

stopped here we lose momentum. An extra seven, eight, nine metres.

Ready to play front football for Finn Russell. Will that be harder to

do against France? It will be because France will initially tackle

low. The Ireland team tackles low but the ball comes back here really

quickly. It is difficult to get quick ball in this scoring area of

the pitch. Look at the numbers Finn Russell has got. Keith Earls is the

last defender. There is an opportunity to score but he went

short. There is going to be a difference. This French term, I

think the way they come out, they will come out really hard. -- French

team. Really low to start with. But as I see fatigue, I see the tackles

going higher, soaking up a little bit. It is going to be an 80 minute

game. I think the intensity that you put in the game is so high but after

60 minutes we might struggle. We think the bench will be very

important for us. Last week against England we struggled with that. I

think we need to but some power in. The French back is the area we have

had in the last years and that is why I think we will try to, get into

the contact and try and drop the ball from you guys. International

rugby is a game of inches. You see them getting across the gain line

here. But the accuracy of the passing, Finn Russell, Hugh Jones,

fizzing out very flat passes to get the space to Stuart Hogg. If those

passes are slightly behind he has to slow down and does not get in. It

was a brilliant combination of hard work and executing good skills. We

saw that from the French a moment ago. They have got plenty of inches.

The biggest pack ever for France. Today the scrum is going to be so

important. And maybe for Scotland it is about doing what they did last

week and making it not as effective as the opposition would like, not

gaining as much from the set pieces. The first two scrums, this is the

very first of the day and the ball is sitting there and the more it is

sitting there the more power came through from Ireland. The Scottish

scrum was obliterated here. The second scrum which we are showing

now happened again. This is going to be a long afternoon, you thought.

In. It was sheer dominance but the modern game is such that was only

six scrums in the whole match. It did not have the influence it might

have had in years gone by. This is what Scotland are up against. Look

at the French pack. Destroyed England last week. This is what

Scotland need to do, try and make it the same game as last week, not set

piece dominated or focusing on that, get it fast, wide, get the big

forwards running and they have a real chance. This is where Fraser

Brown over Ross Ford is interesting. Because of how Ross is built he is

so big and has such big hits, he does not really hooked the ball. He

relies on power and the weight coming through. Brown does hook the

ball. Maybe they are -- maybe they are looking for the quick heel to

move the ball away. The French are keeping the best props for the end

of the game because the coaches thinking the most important scrums

are at the end of the game. Slimani is on the bench. Maybe they will

make the decision. Fraser Brown's opposite number is the French

captain. His grandparents came over to France from Spain to escape the

Spanish Civil War and it is that background which are shaped him as a

person and his playing career. Louis Picamoles in charge of it. He

has to be, surely... That is good play. And who is there

again? The French captain. Brilliant. Guirado for the try. What

a try for France and it is the captain who scores.

A story of a French sportsman who is incredibly proud of the position he

has earned for himself. And what does he bring to this team? He is a

hard worker and a great leader. He moved from Perpignon and became the

captain of Toulon. You can see against Scotland last year, his

passing is much better. And he gets the support in this attack and he

manages to score a try at the start of the game. He is very strong in

the scrum. Very efficient in the line-out. Even if today the French

bank is very heavy and it will be hard to find the target, especially

against the greys, he's very efficient to take the ball and slow

the pace in the ruck, especially with the back row, which is a big

choice from Guy Noves. A big choice in the breakdown, you would think.

That is what Scotland did well last week against Ireland, who normally

dominate the breakdown. The likes of John Barclay, Hamish Watson, can

really make an impact there today. A man who knows the French captain

very well is a former team-mate from Toulon, a former all Black, Ali

Williams, he also knows a bit about French rugby and Lee McKenzie is

going to find out what the things about this French side. You have

played alongside some influential captains in your time and you also

know Guirado. What does he bring to the French team? Is a special guy.

One of the ones who leads by example. He is fearless with his

body and gets himself in positions he probably should not. Is one of

those leaders were you look at him and go, if he is doing it, I had to

do it as well. I really enjoy watching him play. I think is having

a big impact on this French team. There has been a bit in the press

about the French side not being quite as fit as they should be. Do

you agree with that? What other witnesses do they have Scotland must

exploit today? Fitness is one of those things in terms of, is the

individual fit, or is the team fit? I think the style of French play in

the 14 is more difficult and physical and more stop and start. We

will see in the Six Nations this year the intensity that all the

teams are playing with, maybe the British and Irish Lions have

something to do with selection, but they are playing with a real

intensity will stop Kirby catching the French out a little bit but

generally I do not think they are that unfit.

This time last year, Guy Noves had just got his hands on this French

side. How much have improved from last year? I think you are talking

about cohesiveness. They have had more time together, got the ball,

they have said that their priority as a French side, a national side,

-- they have got Rand Paul. They are resting, maybe there is a bit more

priority in the French side, the club side. I think some good

positive changes are happening for the French side. Thanks, Ali. We

will hear more from Ali later as part of our commentary team. This

man, Louis Picamoles, was certainly one of those worth picking out. He

made 131 metres, seven defenders, four off-loads, great game. He has

had a journey to the Six Nations very early. We missed him. Every

time he has the ball you need to three to -- you need two or three

guys to stop him. Between eight and nine, he is very important in the

French team. Serin is very quick. His power and speed can make the

difference. The guys improved a lot. They are much better. The French

coaches are wanting a bit more from him in terms of defence. You need to

chop him down the legs. If you go upstairs and tackle him, no chance,

he has so much power. That is one of the things Scotland are really good

at, they take the legs away and get him to compete on the ground. It's

not the whole picture for him, is it? The French would like to see him

work a little bit harder than he does. There are two sides of Louis

Picamoles. There is the attacking side, where he has got 20 out of 20,

and the defensive side, where the French coaches need a bit more from

him, they want him to be stronger in the head. I think you can do a bit

more on that. He is like you, Thomas! Yeah, I never tackled! You

have to tackle when you play rugby. Scotland have plenty of attacking

runners. In the autumn internationals, Huw Jones made a

name for himself. His journey in international rugby has been

slightly unorthodox. Choose life, choose rugby, choose self belief

when others doubt you. Choose a gap year in South Africa and take it by

storm. Choose your future. Choose Scotland. What a game to get us

under way here. They have beaten Ireland in the opening match! Did

you manage to calm down a bit after that fantastic win at the weekend?

Yes, definitely. We spoke about how we didn't win our first game in the

Six Nations for a long time. Beating Ireland was massive. It was probably

the hardest game I've ever played, the most defending we have ever

done, I think. Tell us about your journey into professional rugby? We

you went to South Africa on a gap year, were you heading over there to

become a professional rugby player? No,. Particularly. I thought taking

a gap year was a great idea because I didn't really want to go uni

straightaway. I took the opportunity to go down to Cape Town and join an

amateur club. I think one of the analysts saw on our university

Wikipedia page that I was Scottish because I was born in Edinburgh. And

obviously immediately made a few calls, got in contact. It's always

been a dream of mine to play in the Six Nations. To finally got some

might get my first time in the Six Nations and to get a win is a dream

come true. This is imperative for a centre of Scotland. This was the

final one. Usually those players are joking and thinking, imagine if we

did this? To go for it in the game was quite brave but it paid off. How

would you sum yourself up as a player? What are your qualities? I

am an instinctive player, I play the situation as it is, as I see it.

Scottish rugby is really lucky to have you one side. I suppose if

there is any concern about you, you could sum it up in three words, jam

and eggs! What is this?! I don't know where I got this from. One

morning I just decided I was going to have jam on my toes, and then I

was offered eggs as well and thought, why not put them all

together? It's one of my favourite breakfasts, it goes really well, I

urge everyone to try it. Let's dared to France. Our big occasion are you

expecting this to be? It should be massive. It's my first ever time in

Paris as well. So I'm quite excited about that. Coming here, I think it

will be a massive occasion, a massive game. They lost their first

game so they will be wanting to bounceback, we want to keep this

momentum going, really. It should be a huge one. Well, the gap year is

going from well! It got him to Paris for the first time. What a find he

was, clever scouting. Born in Edinburgh and very much part of the

Scotland setup. He showed his nerves in the autumn test with this moment

right here. Nobody knew much about him but we certainly did after the

first couple of games. He took that try really well. He was an

instinctive player, this is what he does. Just a little butter footwork.

The pace was just so good -- the drill bit of footwork. He is not

just a try scorer, he a tri-. The off-loading to make them. He did it

in the autumn Test. He had a relatively quiet game last week. It

might be his turn this afternoon. I think he is going to be better this

week. He hadn't played since the last November Test. I think he had

six weeks' holiday after that Test because of the changing seasons. He

has so much talent and I think you will be even better for this week.

What is great with the Scottish backline, it's not just one

attacking force. It's not just Stuart Hogg or Huw Jones, you have

firepower all over the place. It might be a Seymour or Maitland or

Russell. It wasn't necessarily Finn Russell's greatest game last

weekend. He is one player who you can rely on with consistency, but he

didn't have many moments in the games developed he has that ability

to do something. Sometimes it might not be him making the break, but he

has ability to make space for somebody else. A key part of the

Scottish game. There is so much talent and excitement in that

backline. Stuart Hogg will today on his 50th cap for Scotland before the

age of 25. I mean, this is a phenomenal record when you look down

at the history, you see the players that he is jumping ahead of in terms

of that cap rate. Look at the confidence he has scoring tries,

flicking it over to Tim Visser to go in the corner. You thought he was on

good form last year in this game, but last week he took it to a whole

new level, scoring a try like this, which you would expecting to do.

This was a team try. This is what he has got, the pace, the balance, the

vision, the awareness, just fantastic. He is so relaxed, though,

and he is loving his rugby. I sent him a message this morning to say,

good luck in your 50th game. I asked him, what are you up to this

morning? EZ, I'm hiding in the cupboard, Tommy Seymour is in the

toilet and I'm going to give him a fright! That is when he is at his

best, he's a free spirit. The French team, you know, they will have to be

careful with the kicks. If give some balls to him, he will make the

difference. He has got a lower gravity, you know. He can run very

fast, he is very skilful. You told me he is getting 50 caps today. He

said he wants to get 53 caps because that will make him the most capped.

I'm sure Jim would be happy to see him go on to 100 if he keeps playing

rugby like this and keeps being at the forefront of famous Scottish

victories. It brings me round of the inevitable question. Predictions,

Andy? I said earlier, if Scotland can play the fast and fluid game

that they have last week they have got a real chance. If it is set

piece dominated, that brings France right input. The confidence Scotland

have got last week, winning that game when it looks like they were

coming close, you cannot quantify the confidence you get from winning.

We have shown that we can compete against the best, the French team. I

really think it is time to win now. I get the final say, do I? It's all

down to you! It shouting out for a draw, isn't it with Becks mark you

can't have one vote for Scotland, one for France and won a draw! If

France are able to get in from a physical point of view it will be

difficult. I believe this team are ready to win for Scotland. We have

to get take falling all over us. The atmosphere is incredible. We know

the crowd can turn on the team if they don't like what they see.

Scotland are going to try and get a very famous victory. You have to go

back to 1999, the last time that Scotland won here. As they line up

from the anthems, you are going to hear from your commentary team,

Chris Paterson, Andy Williams and Andrew Cotter.

# Of Lara Scotland # -- oh Flower Of Scotland

# When will we see you again # And in the past they must remain

hatched But we can still rise now # But we can still rise now

# And be the nation again # Allons enfants de la Patrie

# Le jour de gloire est arrive! # Contre nous de la tyrannie

# L'etendard sanglant est leve # L'etendard sanglant est

leve # Aux armes,

citoyens Marchons, marchons! #

COMMENTATOR: Great noise around the Stade de France. We had some moments

of reflection. Yesterday came the news that a former All Black had

died. And of course, last week the news came that the very

inspirational South African player had lost his battle against motor

neurone disease. A moment of pause to remember Lewis van der

Westhuizen. What a player, Joos van Nawaz

Tewson, was. He remembered here. Look at this enormous pack that Guy

Noves has chosen once again. Atonio the biggest of them all. Maestri a

vast creature in the second. There is one change with Goujon coming

into the back. And in the backs, same again, the dangerous fullback

Scott Spedding impressed last week. The wingers will certainly be a

handful. The one change to Scotland comes in the form of Ryan Wilson.

John Barclay in at the flag. Allan Dell had a tough time last week. He

will opt to get underneath Atonio in the scrum. Zander Fagerson at tight

head. No changes to the backs. Dunbar and Jones looking to tighten

up defence today. A French newspaper said that Russell and Hogg are the

best attacking players. Slimani for Scotland. John Hardie

has made it timely recovery from injury. You can see, the South

African referee. A charity kick-off before we get underway in this that

the France. The pitch as well is pristine. They have been having

problems with the pitch at the Stade de France in the past. It has been

delayed and it looks superb. We're about ready to get underway.

Vakatawa, so dangerous in the wings. Scotland were gathered in a huddle

for a long while Blair as France were relaying information. Full to

capacity at Stade de France. The final game this weekend of the Six

Nations. Camille Lopez will get us under way.

Stuart Hogg will expect today. So, Camille Lopez it is to get the

game going in this that the France. Taking a real stretch by Jonny Gray.

Then carried by Richie. Immediately, the captain, Guirado,

taking down by Alex Dunbar. Serin complaints. The penalty is earned by

Scotland's defence. France hanging on. And interesting setup. Great

kick off with Jonny Gray. Scotland tried to exit. They were turned over

to midfield. A really good one down the channels. Finn Russell cleared

the penalty. It is a kick. You would have been proud of that. You have

really got to settle yourself. He sets himself quite well bear and

takes it. That's going to be interesting. Fiercely contested in

the middle. Jonny Gray got it down for Scotland. Spins into the

challenge. Scotland's first visit to the French, up against a few of his

team-mates today. Hamish Watson, flat ball inside, carried in by

Tommy Seymour from the wing. A little false start. Tries to carry,

hold him up. Comes back from Laidlaw. Back by Sebastian

Vahaamahina, who is sizeable. The brass band is playing. Strauss

carries again. A little spell from Zander Fagerson.

France have the ball. They don't need the scrum is. Nakaitaci this

time. Still going. Great power. France making good ground. Still

with France. Nakaitaci again, gets it to Vakatawa, things looking up

for France. Goujon! Into the 22. Guirado throws his body in, and the

ball comes back. Maitland is a flyer. The last line of defence was

there. France hurled bodies upon it. Hamish Watson has to leave. And now

France in that intersection. Huw Jones flying up, couldn't quite get

it. Wow, what a start! That was

incredible. By the way, there is a mad Fijian running around there with

no but on, makes it even more interesting! Soap -- no but on. The

turnover left to right. Duchamp carries outside channels. A

turnover, Scotland play a lot of pressure on. Look at Allan Dell,

flipping it away. We thought Sean Maitland was going to make it all

the way. Such an open game, such physicality in the contest. Such

physicality in every tackle. He has taken an early knock, Serin.

Machenaud could come on for him. It was actually Serin who made it back

to make the tackle. Maitland is brisk and has a yard of

pace. He is very, very quick indeed. So, I think all players welcoming

the pause there. The opening three minutes have been entertaining. So,

heading towards the first scrum, which will be interesting as well.

France have the bigger men, certainly. This will be an

interesting contest, because you have smaller men such as Allan Dell

for Scotland against Antonio. It doesn't necessarily follow the great

scrummagers, big men, there are ways around that. Definitely. France are

going into this game with a huge mindset of the scrum, the first one

is important. There is a difference in the pathways, an enormous

difference. Scotland holding firm at the moment.

Serin takes and gets to Camille Lopez, he took his time there. It is

high, Maitland underneath it. Nakaitaci getting his attention.

Scotland's ball to play with again. A little shuffle forward from

Barclay. Now Rosol. Tries to chase it down himself. Finds its way to

Camille Lopez. Deep into the Scottish 22.

Stuart Hogg loves a spiralling kick, it's old school, a beautiful kick to

watch. It will be France's line-out just outside the Scottish half. A

controlled exit, I thought Nakaitaci could have put more pressure on Sean

Maitland. Finn Russell identified the space behind him. It was

actually Guirado, the French captain, who was in the line.

Straight over the top. So, France, a bit of invention at

the line-out. Carrying the whole ten metre line. Serin again, just held

off by Sebastian Vahaamahina. Serin points the way. They will try to

venture down the blindside. But Scotland strip it, illegally so,

says Jakupovic. -- says Jaco Peyper. Both sides are being direct in the

first and second phase. The forwards coming round, creating a bit of go

forward and going wide. The French have contact us well, already have

three or four off-loads. They have averaged almost 19 off-loads in the

games in the last few months. You can see the big ball-carriers. A

shot at goal for Camille Lopez, who scored all 15 points in the win here

against Scotland a couple of years ago. This is the reason for the

infringement. Josh Strauss was OK initially, he was in a good

position. He went back with his hand and was penalised for not supporting

his own body weight. A good strike! Three points for

France. Six minutes gone inside the Stade de France. And the home side

Leeds. A tough kick for an opener, almost

50 metres on the angle on the left-hand side for the left footer,

but a good strike by Camille Lopez. He is really important to how the

French play today if he is on song, you can affect the game as of late.

-- he can affect the game massively. Well taken on the far side.

Given to the giant, Atonio. Back to the cow, and an! -- back to

Scotland try and hold their man up. France tried to get it to ground,

but they do not. Scotland get into the scrum. And explain what's going

on there, trying to get them all to ground. There was a couple of things

on there. It was well taken, Gael Fickou decides to take it at the

last minute. I think the ball slipped out by hand of Spedding.

Barry is an side. With the help of Jonny Gray, they managed to hold the

player off. And then the ball is turned over. If you can't get the

ball to ground, you lose possession. Duchamp in on the flank for France

today. A good attacking position. We have the blindside.

Interesting, the referee, Jaco Peyper, taking the weight, he wants

the Scottish team to put more weight and engage more rather than sit back

a bit. A lot of weight coming through from the French side.

France, Strauss, has to be quick. Just without into touch, was it

Serin? France will have the scrum. But again, it might be a hard

afternoon for the Scottish scrum. France or in control. Scotland

wanted to go the opposite way. Opening up the play. France wanted

out on the left, a lot of the power coming through from Cyril Baille.

That makes it difficult for Scotland to feed the ball to the right-hand

side. They are forced to turn over. So, French ball now.

Atonio rep linger way. Down he goes. -- rippling. There were not that

many scrums in Scotland versus Ireland. I think there were five or

six. That played into Scotland's hands. France would want to use an

obvious area of superiority. They look to dominate that set piece

area, they want to dominate it. Looking at the French backline, they

all very flat. It suggests they are going to kick to clear. Sometimes if

you have real confidence in your set piece scrum, you know it is going to

be stable or you can manipulate it one way or the other. The flat

lines, as a Scotsman and you are thinking, who is able to kick that

and have that chase? Down it goes, square and steady. Square and steady

from Scotland, free kick to France. You can see from the shots,

launching their bid for the France 2023 World Cup. It's a sorting out

period of their front row. What's your technique? Are you engaging, or

do you want to take the battle? Hi from Lopez, taken well by Hogg. Who

has got himself away. Flat ball, Richie Gray, the power drives on

through Serin, the slight figure at scrum-half. Scotland on the front

foot again. Huw Jones, Goujon gets to him.

Pacult up so quickly. Fagerson, -- tackles up. Fagerson, a lump of a

man who allows what is to hit him. Scotland half a dozen phases, but

heading backwards at the moment. Hamish Watson, trying to stand still

with the ball rolling on. So, the decision, through Spedding

with plenty of time, it sits up for the fullback. And he puts but an

ball. Again, Scotland, plenty of ball to play with but not much

doing. They are being met with very fierce defence. The cat this

contact, leading by example. Fagerson being hit by Picamoles --

look at this contact. Rolling hard onto the ball, putting pace, but

being met with the physicality from the French defence. When Stuart Hogg

kicked that goal away, it looked as if it was a great option. But I

think they had to get the ball and put pressure. I think it says

something about Scotland's front row options at the moment that Fagerson

was asked to play 80 minutes last week. The youngest man in the Six

Nations. If the line-out goes wrong. And, a chance now for France. Given

to Fickou, onward to Spedding. The winger, Nakaitaci. Scotland use

touch as their friend, and it helps them out in the end. The set pieces

are not going well for the visitors. No, we talk about props, they play

60 minutes now effectively. You know how important the depth is in a

squad. A lot will be asked again Fagerson today stop like this is

actually a good defence. Huw Jones helping out Sean Maitland. I like

the fact that props are playing 80 minutes. It should be expected of

them. I think credit is on the Fagerson, he did that. He has a

strong game. -- credit to Fagerson. He has a huge workrate. Barclay

lets, got it down to Laidlaw, and Phil Russell sees a little bit of

open countryside. Beautifully placed kick by Russell. Quickly taken by

France, and in two attack you. Under pressure. Does well to get that

pass. Scotland will have the line-out an

hour in just about the same place. Taken back into the 22. Worked very

well for Scotland. The universe. Scotland are very confident with

their line-out. I think this will be a big platform for them for the

whole match. Just to attain a bit of certainty around the clarity of

staff. Kicked by Finn Russell. Jonny Gray took it down for Scotland. Held

at the back by Fraser Brown. Scotland going nowhere. They have

used it once. Brown spins it to Laidlaw. Out it comes to Russell. A

risky pass. Nakaitaci stops him quickly and the French crowd

appreciate that. Watson. Such a low sense of gravity always gets

forward. Richie Gray. Laidlaw almost through. Scotland looking for the

quick ball. Johnny Gray now. Flung himself into that challenge. Strauss

and Richie Gray alongside each other. Scotland making inches and

then feet. Johnny Gray plays it back. Trying to secure the turnover,

it is just still there. And. John Barclay, a hard effort. Good defence

by France but Scotland making a little more ground. Strauss and

Richie Gray again, the big men for Scotland. Sapping both attack and

defence. Still Scottish ball. And again you can hear the hits as John

Barclay is wading in. Just a bit slow for Scotland and Strauss once

more from a stamped -- Stan still does well. Taken without the ball.

Fagerson hazard. A free attack powerful Scotland. Might be a little

poke over from Russell. Still skipping through. Still advantage.

15 faces. Not quite going to hand. He gets away and Stuart Hogg scores

in the corner! He has done it again! Four games in a row he has scored in

the Six Nations! You cannot stop this man. It was his tribe at 18 try

as well. He had the advantage which gave him the attack. Hugh Jones with

a full account. Lopez as well. He was never ever going to have any

other outcome than a Scottish try. That came after near on 15 phases of

really hard ball carrying from the Scottish team. Hard attack from the

French as well but credit to the players up front for continuously

kicking the ball with the contact wearing down the French defence.

Stuart Hogg has done it again. Three tries in two games. Great return for

Scotland in the opening quarter of the game. The energy levels have

really picked up in the commentary box! I'm going to have to bring it

back down and give more credit to the French. This is incredible.

Not the most difficult of -- the most difficult of conversions for

Greig Laidlaw. Not quite got the energy. Will it prove important at

the end? John Barclay is not a ball-carrier. His strength is more

in the breakdown. A linking player. But one of the rules is to carry

hard. That is a perfect example of doing exactly what you'll team needs

you to do to set up that platform. This one is taken by France. An

immediate chance to launch an attack of their own. Lopez gives it to

Gourdon, the open side flanker. Quickly through the hands. Spending

just gets it away. With the charge again, Spedding. An advantage to

France as well. A penalty is coming their way now. He gives it to

Atonio. Out wide now, Picamoles. Picamoles just barging his way into

the 22 and France making huge ground. Still pen is the advantage

for France. Death penalty advantage. Looking for it. All the way back now

for the penalty, obstruction by Scotland and France will have a

chance to take the lead again. Obstructing number nine. Do you have

a number. The interesting element for me is Scotland are defending

well in the centre of the field but pushing France White to play with

wit and that is when they are really attacking the ball at the breakdown

and getting the fruit Saborit and getting the odd turnover. We can see

how dangerous the French are. Scott Spedding drives through. Well

tackled by Finn Russell, I think. Already there was an infringement.

Hamish Watson put the block on the French scrum-half. More great stuff.

So two great games yesterday. The third game this weekend not letting

us down so far. Different games, yes. Different games. Both good in

their own right. Camille Lopez. Now his second attempt.

Through it goes. France lead once more. 20 minutes gone and a very

exciting opening quarter. And France with two penalties from Camille

Lopez hit the front. One thing for me is how hard they had to work for

their try and how quickly the French scored points after conceding points

to go back ahead. Starts again. Once more, good work by Vakatawa. Serin.

Wonderful carry on now. Again it came from very little. Gael Fickou.

Picamoles. Just behind him, it went backwards. Picamoles salvages the

situation. And France still in a promising position. The pass goes

loose but also backwards. Now taken in by Nakaitaci. Again and loose

with the tackles coming in for Scotland. The ball is out and

Scotland tried to take it on. A little knock forward so it is a

French ball at the scrum. Dunbar taking a never -- another thump

there. He is down and taking more treatment. Absolute chaos, wasn't

it? Vern Cotter has been trying to create chaos but that was chaotic.

No lack of physicality or bravery but pretty chaotic. The French loose

head getting treatment as well. Dunbar has now been down twice.

Looks rather more serious than a Dunbar. It's back on his feet. -- he

is back on his feet. You can see it is a clear message the French are

sending, we do not want to go into the tackle with the ball, we want to

try and off-load before the tackle. Create that uncertainty and the

old-fashioned French style, which is open play. Sean Maitland's need

going down on his back. Scotland have had slightly more possession

but France when they have had possession have looked quite

comfortable and just making the ground a little more easily than

Scotland. Scotland do not want to be sucked

into too many scrums. Dunbar is attacking in midfield.

France will look for a penalty from this scrum and it will be coming.

There is only one outcome here. Penalty advantage and a little

forward pass and a high tackle. Back for the penalty, a forward pass has

been spotted. Penalty from the scrum. It is not a gift, it has to

be earned but the scrum on your own ten metre line and the penalty and

suddenly France deep into the Scottish 22. This will excite the

French forwards. They are beating them on the impact. As soon as they

engage they are beating them and putting the Scottish on the back

foot. Knowing French rugby like I do they will keep hammering away at

this until the Scots can try and fix it. Camille Lopez kick is OK. French

liner midway between the 22 and ten metre line. -- line-out. Greig

Laidlaw is in real bother as well. He is limping around. Scotland

effectively 14 men at the moment. The captain is hobbling. Taken down.

Laidlaw. Also some difficulty for France. Walking it along towards the

22. And France now on the rampage. Penalty goes to Scotland and nobody

will receive that more gratefully than Greig Laidlaw. The crowd like

it's not. Laidlaw is looking in serious bother. -- like it is not.

Clear line taken at the front and the organiser, a really dynamic

ball. Picamoles blasting through the middle. Usually see the attacking

tailoring of the side and they came straight through the middle. I think

they will be buying Fraser Brown a beer after that because he really

saved them then. So often at the heart of it, Picamoles. Stronger

with the ball. He used to play on the back row. Laidlaw is struggling,

Andrew. Price is going to come on now. A significant blow in terms of

kicking. I think his match is over. Finn Russell will take the kicks. He

is more a running scrum-half. Price is very quick. Has played

particularly well for Glasgow. Almost number one choice after his

displays in Europe. He is very quick, very quick passing, he will

look to take a quick tap and bring a tempo to the game. One from the

bench late against Georgia. Hands above his head, Laidlaw. Celebration

last week and now sheer frustration. Price is on at scrum-half for

Scotland. Use it once! Flying in, Fraser Brown. He saw Atonio in front

of him. All around him, really. He did well. Richie Gray sends it back.

Price's first touch. Russell scooping it up. A bit of a slice.

Usually advantage to the man running onto it. So it is taken down well.

France again now. A bit of space out wide through the middle first of all

goes Guirado. On again they come through Goujon. And then Gourdon

almost back on his feet and driving along. Now to Gael Fickou. Fickou on

to Vakatawa. Lovely ball inside the back. Looking for the return. And

France again making huge ground. Flat pass carried in by Yoann

Maestri. And a dummy runner making a bit of a mess of it and gets

Scotland a chance to play but it might be turned over. Price has gone

in. Well... It that penalty is turned over that will be hugely

frustrating for Scotland. -- if that penalty.

Leave it. That is it. That is the way to deal with it. I will wait for

him to finish first. He will calm things down. Let's hear

the chat. First of all, his assistant. Now standing captain

shoved a player away. I think the reason he shoved him is because he

is trying to take the ball away. He cannot just run up and shot him. It

was Luke appears saying the reason he shoved him was this but it does

not matter. Here is the problem, previous penalty, you did the same.

I want you not to do it. All right? Do not take the law into your own

hands. I will deal with it. I am going to reverse this penalty for

discipline. It is price just on the field in his frustration and the

penalty is reversed and Camille Lopez will have a shot at goal

again. French just realising the penalty has been reversed. France

will play sharply. I have noticed Louis Picamoles, such an influential

player last week, has been on the outside channel carrying the ball

outside. Goujon came too quickly and that was a penalty for obstruction.

Lopez had the ball, dropped it and Alex Price gives him a push. --

Alistair price. And now they are going to face another three points

possibly from Camille Lopez. There is enough excitement in the game, we

do not need that, labs -- lads. You have got to keep it clean. Lopez

hooked it. First to react is Russell. Scotland ultimately are

spared on that occasion. The relieved man is Alistair Price this

time. A great talent, one from the bench against Georgia in November.

Here in the cauldron at the Stade de France replacing Greig Laidlaw.

Guirado again goes on. Spilled. Lost forward. Strauss has it. Under

pressure from Gourdon. And Russell... Advantage is over now.

And Spedding gathers. That is a curious kick, just taken by Richie

Gray. Russell gets it out wide. And Hogg now. France very aware of his

danger. Price to Russell again and onto Brown. Most pass on the inside.

And now he gets it onto Vakatawa. Onto 11 macro. On the Lopez. And it

is on for Gael Fickou. Two, three, four blue shirts taking him down.

Serin again complains. Scrum-half wave. Vahaamahina. Out it comes to

Lopez. France look to make good ground again. Goujon. The yardage

coming a bit more easily for France. Picamoles, shrugged it off. It is

still with France. Through goes Nakaitaci. Atonio... Through to

Lopez again. Here comes Lamerat. Gael Fickou. Gael Fickou is still

going. Now with Sebastien Vahaamahina. Ten metres out. Inside

ball. Still from the giant. Picked up by Vakatawa and out to Lopez. And

Spedding into the blue shirts. Half an hour gone. And all France at the

moment. The forwards, Maestri, leads them on. Advantage to Scotland, to

France. Guirado. Still advantage. Still the penalty advantage to

France. Within six metres of the line. Serin looking once more to the

forwards. Carried over by Goujon. And once more Sebastien Vahaamahina

taken down by Berkeley, still penalty advantage, inside, it comes

to Vakatawa. He tried to get the final off-load. Now out wide they

try. Camille Lopez. Serin. Wide. Spedding. And the try eventually

comes. It had to come for France. The Stade de France roars its

approval. The French public are looking for an impact, what a score.

So great in defence from Scotland but sometimes no matter how tough

and Brady Watt in defence the attack outflank Siew. Brilliant play by the

French. -- can outflank you. So much about what we love about French

rugby. Fast, off-loading, determined and always willing to give that

extra pass and Gael Fickou diving over in the corner. We are talking

about great young talent. He has been around for a long time. He made

his debut as an 18-year-old, Gael Fickou, now 22. And his fifth try.

Scored against Scotland last year. Does it again. A chance to make it

13-5. The way France come forward it is just that little bit harder for

Scotland, seems harder work. France are getting the ball so quick at the

breakdown of the Scottish defence cannot set. The line speed is slow

and they cannot attack and cuts down the options for France. Lopez on the

touchline. A left footed kicker. Just inside the post this time. 15-5

France lead. Gael Fickou's try. There are so many uploads in there

as well. We spoke about the size and the weight of the French pack but

each and every one of them, look at the hands-free contact, trying to

play at a tempo and that was a fantastic drive. Again looking for

Vakatawa. A wonderful take coming forward. And Ali Price digging away.

Scotland have a platform. On the edge of the 22. Finn Russell. Lovely

off-load to Strauss. Batting aside 11 macro. Scotland within seven,

eight metres. Penalty advantage now to Scotland. -- batting aside Serin.

He runs into the wall and Hamish Watson now, rolling forward. Great

power. And still advantage for Scotland. Carried in now by Johnny

Gray. Still advantage. With the men in blue. Fraser Brown, Richie Gray

trying to drag them along. Still the referee has his arm outstretched for

advantage. Johnny Gray planted for it and drives. France said their

defence. Almost through the middle. Plays it back. Ali Price giving it

on again. It is Brown who carries. Price looking for it. Russell.

Russell almost threw himself. Looking for quick ball now. Price,

white it goes, it goes, intercepted, they will come for the penalty. The

chances that have to be taken. They will have that penalty. It was

Baptiste Serin giving away the penalty. Two or three times E has

played long advantage which has helped this game. Because there is

so many opportunities and attacking play, it took a long advantage for

France and a long advantage is there for Scotland. It is great to see

because we are seeing some fantastic rugby. They are going for the posts.

It comes with the frustration that they were so close to the try. But

still very early in this game. The uploads stakeout, don't they? 12-2.

I think that is a conscious decision. -- stick out. I think they

are really trying to wear down the French which is a very brave thing

to do. In both the Scottish set up now for many years and in France as

well, a great second row player, Heinz. Russell now taking the kicks.

Which he does regularly for Glasgow. They have got some pretty

interesting salons here in Paris. -- selling armour here in Paris. --

selling along here in Paris. He has struck it well. Five minutes to go

in this first half. Greig Laidlaw can only watch. Again the tell-tale

signs. Again, they are very concerned, concerning signs for

Scotland going forward. Russell gets Scotland within a five. It all came

from the restart. He has been taken off the field for a head injury

assessment. Who is captain now, they are asking. That half hour has taken

its toll. John Hardie will be on for that head injury assessment to John

Barclay. Both teams are choosing to attack the ball, to try and get it

back. You often see teams saying, I will go for field position and kick

it deeper. But both teams are really trying to attack. I think the

mindset is clear that they are both wanting to play rugby, which is

obvious, they want to play rugby, but attacking. I imagine it is

Johnny Gray... In the leadership group, he has captained Glasgow.

Here is Johnny Gray. He takes it down. Trying to get the maul moving

forward. The ball at the back. John Hardie, number 20, on four John

Barclay while he is having that head injury assessment. Mackay touchy

waiting for that one. -- Nakaitaci. The assistant says it is fine. The

crowd obviously disapproved. I think I would want to check that challenge

here. Scotland get it and Scotland get the penalty as well. Since that

spell of French dominance the last couple of passages of play have gone

Scotland's's wave. They have had a look. -- Scotland's way. This is the

penalty. So much pressure. We mentioned the outside channel. Going

back to the fair contest. Well... Finn is not going for the ball, is

he? I think he is off the pace by a yard and still competing. What saved

him here is he is looking at the ball and he is in the air. It is one

of those decisions which can really go either way. Scotland are being

given a real opportunity here a couple of minutes from half-time to

draw within two points. It is straight enough. And bang on

the camera. Scotland, it seems certainly against the tide of the

match, they are within two points. They have lost their captain, lost

their stand in captain at the moment, John Barclay. It is hard

work, it is taking it out of them but they are in touch heading

towards half-time. The restart again is so important. Lopez and Strauss

watching this one for Scotland. And Nakaitaci, got to him. And Ali

Price, his second for Scotland. Russell. The laser that pass. Onto

Hamish Watson again. -- he delays that pass. Scotland still deep in

their own land. Up it goes from price. And through they go now to

Goujon. Towards the Scottish 22. And just before half-time France looking

to find that try one more time. Vakatawa carried it in. On it goes

through Baille and Goujon. Scotland looking to weather the storm one

more time and get into the dressing room. A crashed ball from Gourdon.

They come forward, they have taken some points, France. The ball is out

but it is still there for France as we go towards 40 minutes, carried by

Gourdon, John Hardie got them around. Still with France again.

Still that sharp all and forward at the heart is over. Scotland will be

mightily relieved to get out of this half two points adrift because they

were up against it at times. It has been a physical opening 40 minutes.

France really carrying the line and hitting Scotland hard. Scotland have

taken the physicality to France to try and really wear them down.

Should maybe help in the second half. An interesting first half with

two fantastic tries. France have the lead, 13 points to 11. STUDIO: That

Stuart Hogg try briefly but Scotland ahead on the scoreboard. The bit

Scottish player to score in four or more Six Nations games. Gael Fickou

likes scoring against Scotland. That helped to take it out for France,

putting them ahead 13-11 at half-time. One of the interesting to

statistics, metres made. You got to think at some point that will

exhaust the French players. That is the Scottish home. Possession even.

Tackles made a bit more to France. And carries also fairly even. I

guess it isn't even, tight, exciting Test match you would expect from a

site that has just defeated Ireland and one just lost against England.

It has been tight, physical, intense. We have seen injuries and

tries. A good 40 minutes. Their white will Vern Cotter be pleased

with how they weathered the storm at the end? I think this is the vital

period. With the injury to Greig Laidlaw there was an adaptation

period when Alex Rice came on. A couple of penalties at the end. That

is a solid first half from Scotland. -- when Ellie Price came on. They

missed an opportunity when the penalty was reversed. Thomas, we

can't hear you at the rumoured, and we want to hear it back on what

you've got to say, so let's get you a mic that works. We showed patience

and determination. We have been tremendous, you know, in this first

half. The power of our scrum is very interesting. It brings us a very

good platform in that game. That smack look back at some of the key

moments. Stuart Hogg, a record equalling four consecutive Six

Nations tries. We know when he he doesn't always do the obvious thing.

Hard work from Finn Russell in this. It was team try, wasn't it? It

really was, so many phases. His dancing feet, he takes it back on.

Off-loading, trying to off-load all the time. We saw last week,

sometimes a bouncing ball can favour the attacking side because the

defence are drawn in. But Stuart Hogg just finish us off brilliantly.

We can see from behind, the running off the ball that Stuart Hogg does.

They are lined up, that is fine. Look at Cyril Baille, doesn't work

off the ball as well as Stuart Hogg does. Looking in, I is on the ball,

Stuart Hogg has been run. It could have been Hamish Watson. The key

thing was that Scotland had an advantage, a penalty advantage. You

could see when that was given, there was a raising of the tempo from

Scotland. Greig Laidlaw could afford to throw a riskier pass. As we know,

we built careers on throwing bad passes to create tries. It can be a

key to score. I think Vakatawa, you know, he should have stayed on the

wing. He got involved too quickly. He didn't really help his team in

that action. It was very similar to the setup for the Argentina try

which we saw the start of the programme. Off-loaded it, Scotland

were under the cosh at that point, it got them back in the game, got

there offensive game going. In many ways, it was the boot of Lopez that

was going to keep the scoreboard ticking over for France. But the try

of Fickou was very similar, it even try with 18 phases in the end. It is

the kind of try that we wouldn't have scored a few years ago. France

has changed, we are more patient, you can see that. Fickou was asking

for the ball for a very long time. You can see, this French team worked

really hard, the forwards worked really hard, and we managed to speed

the ball up on the breakdown. All the time we made some off-load and

kept the ball for a very long time, which was quite unusual in the last

few years. They played with such ambition before that, coming out of

their own half, there off-loads, trying to get that ball in. It

reminded me of Toulouse in the mid-2000s, when Guy Noves coached

them. The French team attacks from the home 22. It was an extraordinary

opening three minutes or so. There were two potential interceptions.

Maitland nearly made them pay within the first couple of minutes of the

match. A breathless start. The passage of play was just incredible.

You know, it try from France, they looked very dangerous there.

Scotland's defence was good, the ball comes off Mike Brown. Allan

Dell gives it to Sean Maitland. -- off the ground. Look at them come

virgin. We thought that was stopped, especially when the ball in is

knocked on here. France decided to attack in their own half. Big long

pass from Spedding. You can see, Huw Jones read the game very well. Look

at that he almost got it. He should have had back there. Maitland, look

at this. Nakaitaci. He had his boot taken off, watch it very closely.

Alex Dunbar has got the red but in his hand. Are you going to put it

down? No, I'm going to lob it 40 yards down the pitch! Is that

sportsmanship there? I saw the brute emerge I think three times, and then

things settle down a bit on the tries came. Picamoles was a man we

need to pick out. We talked about him ahead of the match. His workrate

was impressive today. The defensive side of his game that you were

saying you were hoping you were going to see more of. Exactly, we

know how good he is ball in hand. We saw that even in defence today he

was quite effective. He made the yards, his tackle was very low, very

powerful. And his threat, you know he has the ball on his legs, he uses

them very welcome even in defence. He tackles very low. He puts so much

pressure on the Scottish players. And they thwart a lot of the

Scottish momentum and attack because of that. When the try came from

Stuart Hogg, Scotland were able to get an extra foot, next regard, you

know, making the next phase a lot easier. It is interesting as the

name goes on -- the game goes on, how that affects momentum. He has

carried four times, 44 metres, he is doing like a quarter of the meters

made. He made three of the off-loads, nearly as much as the

Scottish team. A Scottish team which is very dangerous, he might put some

pressure on them. One of the things that has impressed about Scotland

was the decision making, particularly towards the end. Greig

Laidlaw happy composed head on him. To lose him early in this game is

undoubtedly a bloke. He has been the go to player for bunker. For so

long. His point-scoring and goal-kicking has been exemplary --

for Vern Cotter for so long. He played the first 160 minutes in the

autumn. He got a knock, you can see his ankle, it looked like it got

caught on there and he wasn't right. We were watching it closely, he

certainly wasn't happy. He jumps in, it looks like he has maybe got over

his ankle. This is a massive baptism by Alex Rice -- Alistair Price. He

has been on fire for Glasgow. He made his debut against Georgia, now

here he is in the heart of the Six Nations. He has adapted well. He had

a wee moment with the push on mopeds, but since then he has passed

well, he has organised -- the push on Lopez. He has organised box kicks

and have them on the money. His discipline has to be right as well.

He wanted to get the ball back of Lopez. He pushes him. You know, keep

your head a wee bit. You're not going to get away with that in

international rugby. But he reacted well. Another thing. Finn Russell is

two from two, that transition it saddled everybody down. When you see

Ellie Price next week, what are your words of wisdom to him in a moment

like that -- Alistair Price. There was a time when that Bush would not

have got you a penalty in international rugby but it is more

under the microscope these days. I would say, Alistair, don't do that

again, that was rather silly, he'll learn fast, though. He is an

experienced player, but he learned fast in Glasgow and he will learn

fast today. Plenty more sport to come for you on the BBC this

weekend. Ski Sunday is on BBC Two from 5pm. The Baftas mean that much

of the day two switches to BBC Two this week. -- match of the day two.

That is followed by more Six Nations action.

And Lee McKenzie hosts that, she is also inside with Ali Williams. I am,

bruising physical first half, just how you like your rugby, Ali. What

have you made of it? I think it is a fantastic game. Both sides are

really wanting to play attacks, but the defence, the importance of it

and the physicality, as we spoke about, is huge. I think the British

and Irish Lions are bringing the best out of this competition. I

mean, the Scots are really playing with huge energy and desire, and

individuals are standing up and saying, what about me? Count me in.

For a spectator, I think it's a fantastic atmosphere. Warren Gatland

is somewhere in amongst the crowd. What will he have seen that he

likes? He will like the energy, the spark and excitement that

individuals are showing. It will show the cohesiveness and the times

that they are choosing to attack. Now that Alistair Price is on, I

think you are getting a bit faster ball. But Laidlaw is a lot more

conservative in his approach to attack, it is different. I think the

second half might open up even more. We could get an even more exciting

day. We knew that France were going to be a big pack. We have seen the

scrums and line-outs, the way that the game is being played. There is

going to be a big storm coming in the second half. Who is going to

whether it best? There is definitely some energy. We saw that with the

handbags and fisticuffs before. Which every rugby follower like! But

I think what's happening is a set piece, you have got quite even in

the line-outs, the scrum, the French have definitely got the dominance

there. It's going to come down to a small little factor, whether it is

an interception or a decision by Jaco Peyper, who knows? This game is

going to open up even more, and I think we in store for a pretty good

second-half. You can see how hard both sides had to work for the

price. A number of times the ball was recycled, but quickly a penalty

makes all the difference. It is called scoreboard pressure. One team

is getting the lay of the land and they get points, and the other team

is on the defence, but then it changes, men so bike momentum

changes. In a game from becoming your time comes. Defence is huge.

Most tries are conceded after 10-15 phases of rugby. So, hold the ball

on the fruit will come for you. You have dusted off your rugby boots

again and you are back playing in France. Does this were the appetite

for an international comeback? Or those days over? Those days are well

and truly over. The club days are over? I'm still hanging in there, I

still have a few more seconds left on the clock. I enjoy living here in

France, the energy and excitement they have rugby is second to none.

Very exciting, but looking forward to the second-half. Upper back to

the commentary box. Enjoy your second-half.

Good strike, three points for France. Stuart Hogg scores! He has

done it again! It's ever so tight, two points in

it. If there is anything that Scotland will want to take from the

statistics, in eight out of ten matches from Guy Noves, France have

failed to outscore their opponents in the second half. They will be

looking to put more daylight between themselves in Scotland. Will you

think especially with the weight of the pack, the heavy pack means

potentially not as mobile, not as cardiovascular a injury and, being

kind? We expect the bench to bring a lot in our team. We know it is going

to be difficult. It gets complicated to play against Scotland, because

they can score in any breakdown, they can rob you the ball and score,

like Maitland did, and go over the line. You need to score very quickly

and put some points to be ahead and be confident. You don't want to kind

of go along with the cliches of French fitness within the domestic

rugby setup, but, you know, we hear the tales of the fact that there is

a big gap between the two. You have experience of course, how was the

fitness that? It wasn't something that they focused on. They focused

on what happened on the pitch, which gives you greater gain sense, but,

you know, in an intense game like this, you know, I expect France to

tire. That can only really come into effect if Scotland can control the

ball. This is a really tight game. Scotland will take confidence and

belief from winning a tight game last week against Ireland. I think

this will come down to decisions about fitness. If Scotland can

control the game and get a bit more fluid, Scotland won this game to be

as open as possible in the second half. If they can do that, they can

hire them down and still win it. I think Scotland will be happy in the

way that first half has gone to a newbie two points down. That gives

you a boost in the changing room that they can come out in the

second-half. The opportunity for thin -- Finn Russell to have two

attempts at goal and score, that gives you confidence. The transition

has been made, Price is on, that's it for the second-half. Greig

Laidlaw is fantastic, I think he is 85%. Finn Russell is high 70s, early

80s kick-out. Not bad for a back-up. He does it week in, week out the

Glasgow. You can see him lining up with a smile on his face ready to

take the kick. He will enjoy this challenge. What are your hopes for

France in the second half? I hope we can score quickly. We know that

Scotland can move the ball really well. But they will take some risks.

We can maybe score on the mistakes that they could make. But I really

hope that we won't change our half-backs to early like we did

against England, because I think these half-backs, you know, are well

into the game again to date. The crowd behind France. You don't

always get that after 40 minutes here. We have heard booing ring out

before now. They hope the French team can score themselves the first

win of the Six Nations. But Scotland have other plans. Let's drawing our

commentary team, Ali Williams, Chris Paterson and Andrew Cotter.

COMMENTATOR: Scotland start the second half as they finish. There is

Greig Laidlaw. Up against Wales in a fortnight. Scotland within two

points. One of the points we are talking about in the studio is

fitness, which is to favour fitter sides come the final 20 minutes, the

fit of 15s, but that's not the case any more. Have you got players to

come on and play 20, 30 minutes from the bench. Fitness is not as much of

an advantage as it used to be. But France, from Goujon, a bump from

Hardie, and I think Hardie might have done himself in mischief there.

And Chardy... Well, no, Hardie and Goujon, I think both players are in

trouble. There was a big collision. Goujon was running hard, Hardie hit

behind. It is good that the players pointed it out to the referee and

the referee stepped in. You could hear that. I think it was on the

head. Oh... A sickening thump as they came

together. Yeah, they will both have to leave the field, I think.

Certainly for an assessment. You can see by the body shape. He has to go

and get checked. Both will have their head injury assessment, that

is a maximum of ten minutes to be assessed by an independent doctor.

John Hardie throws himself in, as quite a lot of back rows do, but the

pictures tell the story there. Not really an assessment here. The right

thing needs to be done. It's probably his day. He played a match

last week for Leinster against Munster, just on the back of an

ankle injury sustained in the autumn. James Robinson goes off and

Tim Swinson comes on, and John Hardie, Loann Goujon is in a

slightly better way. But Tim Swinson is on. By nature a second row but

can play back row as well. It will be interesting to see of Swinson

goes to the second row and maybe Jonny Gray drops back. It looks like

Swinson is going to go to the blindside. They both can play back

row. As you can see, the duty of care and the accuracy of how head

injuries are treated, it is of vital importance. The most important thing

is that he is OK. That is a big loss on top of John Barclay. Scotland

have lost two very heavy back rowers. There he is, Swinson,

packing down number 19 on the flank. Early in the match today, using up

the reserves on the bench. Got to keep it up, got to keep it

up. If there is confession, it's three weeks to go. There is a whole

set of protocols you need to go through -- if it is concussion. They

have to do the protocol. You get a maximum of three weeks, if you are

under 18 it is mandatory three weeks. But the best junior cow will

always be taken with these guys. First scrum of the second -- the

best duty of care. It goes to France.

Every side does it. There is still a little letter in the law that it is

supposed to go down to a straight -ish channel. But it just goes

straight into the second row now. That is one of the strangest you

will ever see. It's what you can get away with.

It's knowing the referee. If you can get away with that... Taking down by

France. An opportunity to come forward again. The French national

anthem is ringing out in the Stade de France. Penalty vote Scotland.

Quickly taken by Alistair Price. The replacement scrum-half takes

Scotland to the ten metre line. Comes off the legs. A little knock

forward for Scotland. The referee says it's OK. Dunbar carries it.

Russell under pressure. Flips it well to Tommy Seymour, red touch for

him. Chasing it down. Seymour on his own, looks full support. And its

Swinson! Tim Swinson, fresh on the field, and takes Scotland into an

unlikely lead! Again, the bounce of a rugby ball can do strange things

to a full-back. Spedding undone by it. The quick hands gives you more

the opportunity. It is this pass from Finn Russell, the footwork, he

slid the ball away to Seymour, whose was pretty high. Tim Swinson coming

on, usually a second row, but he has got the support right down to 80,

right up the middle of the field, staying in the game. First try for

Scotland, Tim Swinson. He has been the man for Scotland, for Glasgow.

Oh, my word! Looking at the replay of the try,

rather than looking at the replay of the conversion, look at the bounce

on this fob or old Scott Spedding. -- for poor old Scott Spedding. He

was rushed, he got told to speed up and the ball flops over right at the

last minute. It's crawling along the ground like a caterpillar, no good!

Slimani is an, Atonio is off. Gordon Reid is going to come on for

Scotland is well on the front row. It comes down to fine margins. That

kick will be watched time and time again. Time running out. 90 seconds

to take a conversion. From the try being scored you have 90 seconds to

take the conversion. He must have got a call from the referee to hurry

up, and an heeded. You have got a couple of seconds to compose

yourself before having a kick. Spilling forward, France have it

through their captain. Guirado looking...

Gourdon barges through. France within five metres. They come all,

Russell digs away at him. Slimani, try scorer at African last week. And

-- at Twickenham. The swell of sound inside the Stade de France. Baille,

the loosehead prop, sets it back. A little much forward from Nakaitaci.

Like a tower runs for the advantage. Penalty coming their way. --

Vakatawa. A penalty now. Stuart Hogg got away with murder

there. That was a hell of a tricky play. He made the tackle, got

back-up, and came back on the line of the tackle. So they took out the

supporting player. It was brilliant. It is all from the kick off again.

Both teams have tried to win it back. As you said, the first half,

as soon as the French get a sniff they come alive. The atmosphere

comes alive. Scotland will be quite content, content to concede only

three here after this light break from Gourdon. He did this last week.

Powerful, blasting through the space. What Stuart Hogg, this is

brilliant. He gets the tackle, gets back up on his feet. We missed it!

Anyway. Mike even stopping Vakatawa in that corner took a lot of effort

from the Scottish backs. So much rugby being played in this game, is

a joy to watch. Camille Lopez. After that bizarre conversion miss by Finn

Russell he has an opportunity to bring France level.

No such mishaps by Camille Lopez. 16 points of these. -- apiece.

Finn Russell looking to get going again. But the referee says to stay

steady for a moment. Given that a bit too much perhaps. Straightout.

Bacca Tower, a mistake at the restart. And all the way back. They

talk and talk about them, but the restarts in this game have been

telling. A frustrating mistake from Finn Russell. Not a lot in it, but

it carried too far. It's no surprise they have opted for the scrum, it

opens up both sides of the attack. Is solid base as well. Goujon is

waiting to come back on after his assessment. So he is deemed to be of

sound mind. A reminder that Scotland have lost

Greig Laidlaw to an ankle injury, John Barclay with a head injury

assessment. He didn't return after half-time. John Hardie was certainly

worse for wear, he came off. Scotland digging into the reserves

early on. So much to play for in this match towards 50 minutes.

And France but the drive on, penalty coming, held that the back. It's

within kicking distance. But with bad level of superiority at the

scrum, it's just such a platform to build upon. It is a warning sign,

especially when they are playing such attacking rugby, you get the

lock on. There it goes to the scrum. It gives France the ability to

settle, gain a penalty like this. And start again. Just a reminder

that Scotland have first choice props in Allan Dell and Dickinson,

Dickinson should be back sooner. It is hard work today. Even there, so

much dominance in the scrum. As a rugby enthusiasts, you see the ball

being played. They are so dominant, yet they haven't had a goal. They

always come back for the penalty. Lining up from 50.

A penalty reminder from Jaco Peyper. Distance is not necessary for Scott

Spedding, he can kick them out from 60 easily. Not necessarily in the

right direction, however. But a good nudge.

He was interrupted, from Jaco Peyper as well.

Scotland flinging it about ahead of this 22 restart. Half an hour to go.

All tied up. Have we got to the bottom of Finn Russell's hairdo? His

headband? He took a knock against Zander Fagerson, and since then he

has worn it. It looks like he has got his GPS on the front of it, to!

Sebastien Vahaamahina, a little bit of space for Spedding.

Fine for somebody to claim, says the referee. Baille through Nakaitaci.

The roar from the crowd as they get into the 22, Dunbar tries to get

over that ball. Oh, and they spill. It was Goujon crying for it.

Hogg can't work miracles there. Richie Gray. Trying to pile his way

through the diminutive Camille Lopez.

And spreading weights. To launch another attack. So strong at

Twickenham, Spedding. And Strauss is still going. Some tired looking

bodies for Scotland at the moment. As Maestri took it in.

A lovely off-load as well. Gourdon doing his bit again. This time he

hangs onto it. Swinson was there to take the pass. Swinson has played

his part since he came on. Twice. Price was on the way. Down the

blindside. Chipping and chasing. He has got Maitland onside. The ball

comes back. On through Strauss and Jones. A chip through. Is it too

long? Heading towards the corner. And all the way out it goes and back

they come. Just the wrong weight on it. And Spedding and many others

taking a rest. A great counterattack by Spedding. Hamish Watson is

putting a lot of pressure on in the contact. I think we all need a rest

after that. You heard on the referee microphone calling for the chip from

Stuart Hogg. Really good communication. I think Jones should

keep this in hand. I know it is after a long period of play. But you

have got France on the black -- a back foot and they are doing really

hard. Ross Ford is waiting to come on. France are about to make a

change with Huget just going through his stretching. He will come on for

Vakatawa. Interesting change. He is obviously a very powerful player,

Huget. Scott Spedding was stretching. Looked a little bit

vulnerable after the last contact. He gives way for Huget. He will make

an impact. Very dangerous with the ball. Very power. A scrum again.

Some trepidation by Scotland. There he goes. Crouch, bind, set. France

will look for the drive again. Just looking for the penalty here.

Scotland will be splintered a bit. This time it is Picamoles, with

those big arms, handing off. Ten yards made. Lopez gets in the way

well. WHISTLE Penalty for Scotland. Applause again for a defensive

effort. Just a little bit wasteful but good work again at the breakdown

by Scotland. Every time Picamoles is carrying he is making metres but

he's almost running away from the support. And Scotland are coming

back in the maul and ruck situation, giving them a few more

opportunities. I think they are going to have a go at goal with the

big boot of Stuart Hogg. He has got the distance on this one. Fully 54

metres or so, however. This should be an issue. After conceding yardage

from the line break from Picamoles and one two others they are coming

out really hard in defence and forcing the attacker towards the

contact, supporting where players have come from and trying to put the

pressure on and winning penalties at the breakdown. Alex Dunbar is

playing like a fourth flanker. He is putting so much heat on that maul --

ruck it is incredible. Hogg. The atmosphere is fairly still at the

Stade de France. Not much breeze. And in trying to get a bit of a next

to nudge he also does what Scott Spedding did. And a wild one. And

France are ready to bring on Maxime Machenaud. Baptiste Serin will head

off. He is much more combative, Maxime Machenaud. He will get in

among the breakdown. I like Baptiste Serin as a player. Very fluent, very

good player, but Maxime Machenaud is far more aggressive in the

breakdown. A long 22. Russell taking it above his head. Strauss. Strauss

into Picamoles. And Slimani. He does well. Russell again. A spillage and

a chance for France to come again. Maitland getting back their decides

he should do the job. Scotland under pressure now. A setback for Ali

Price. A penalty. Then gave away the penalty. And Ali Price, pretty quick

to take the running penalty sometimes. A calm ahead, a more

experienced head... Working hard to get back and then the ball pops in.

It is not in the ruck so he cannot use his hands. Into Fraser Brown and

the turnover. Maxime Machenaud tipped it up and his first impact

was to keep long. I think it was Alex Dunbar. I was talking about the

work, Alex Dunbar, he has been down a few times. He has often been that

extra plank. He is a physical player. Both in defence and

offensively. Then it will come on. He is just getting his tracksuit. --

Mark Bennett. The game opens up, it may suit him. I think Vern Cotter,

we will see it half-time, he was really speeding this game up,

challenging the French fitness wise and challenging their vision. Are

they seeing what we are seeing? They are waiting for Mark Bennett to come

on. Here he is, for Alex Dunbar. Three knocks for Scotland with

Berkeley, Hardy and now Alex Dunbar. As Chris was saying, Mark Bennett is

a very different player. A very talented attacking player, slighter

than Dunbar. Strauss. Does very well. And Russell holds it out. He

had to leap to take it and try and get something from not much. Johnny

Gray. And on through Richie Gray. Russell seeing what is available.

Just carries it in, setting it back again. Fraser Brown. Vahaamahina.

Strauss once more the ball carrier and that is a heavy hit by Slimani

and Goujon. Mark Bennett. And every time the crowd is groaning and

loving Beckett -- the hit. Battering away at the half lane -- halfway

line. A flat pass taken in by Mark Bennett. The blues is the cry.

Fagerson and Russell. Strauss. Did well taking that path. Spinning to

Lopez. It is stolen. And France have got a chance to counter. And an

ugly, ugly pass coming out for Picamoles. It was forward and

Picamoles with the mistake. We do not say that very often but the

Scottish scrum... Strauss is taking aim to himself as well. He is having

to do so much of carrying full Scotland. Every contact is maximum.

A hard tackle by Lopez. This is the one I think which resulted in the

turnover by France. Guirado patching the ball and bat is a poor pass. It

is a little full Scotland because he was outside for Gael Fickou and

Huget. The game is so physical. Simon Berghan is going to come on

for Scotland. Scottish back row reserves are expired. What is

important now, because it is so attritional and exhausting, you have

to play in the right areas of the field, so territory becomes more

important. Maybe at the start of the game when there was more

free-flowing rugby, you have got to apply pressure, territory and look

for the penalty, look for the drop goal to get your sob ahead. Which I

do not think unfortunately papers Scotland. A loose game is profiting

Scotland a lots more. The lock is coming on. And another change in the

front row for France as well, Xavier Chiocci. He is such a strong loser.

He is a big man. I have had the pleasure of being behind him on

quite a few occasions in some dark and ugly places. And Christopher

Tolofua is going to come on. He is a big man himself, making his debut. A

New Zealander with a family from sterling. And straight down with the

tight head. For the first time in international rugby. Crouch, bind,

said. And the decision is a free kick. Strauss. Strauss is just

giving his body to the cause, literally. A bit of damage there.

Goujon with the stop. Goujon again. I think it is Picamoles. Collision.

No, it wasn't. It is a yellow bird. It is Goujon. Goujon has taken a bit

of punishment today, as well. Another shoulder drive in there but

you have got to get your head out of there. It on the side. You should

drive back. But he goes to his dominant left. Always takes a risk

when you put your head in front of your knees all your hips. Moving

very slowly towards the final quarter of the match because we have

had so many breakdowns now for injuries, for impact. It is a brutal

game. And France are ready to make two more changes now. Damien Chouly

is going to come back on and Christopher Tolofua is going to come