Ireland will have place their hopes in England and Wales beating France in order to keep their championship hopes alive, after France thrashed Scotland on Saturday.
After beating Ireland by just six points in their last match of the Championship, France were hoping to do something that they have not done since 2014: beat Scotland in Murrayfield.
However, Scotland had other plans as they looked to bounce back from their shock loss to Wales and maintain fortress Murrayfield against their French invaders.
The visitors got off to a flyer, scoring two quick tries dripping in flair and class to go 3-12 up after just 20 minutes.
Paul Willemse scored the opener after a poor kick from Finn Russell landed in the hands of world player of the year Antoine Dupont, who sliced his way down field and eventually sent the ball into the hands of the South African-born lock.
"Watch this from Cyril Baille!"
Another brilliant try from this brilliant French team. #SCOvFRA #GuinnessSixNations pic.twitter.com/raDM3ypqC8— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) February 26, 2022
While Russell put the hosts on the board through his boot, Yoram Moefana responded with another score for the flying French.
Cyril Baille showcased his handling ability out wide to keep the ball alive to allow the centre to score just inside the touchline.
UPDATE | 🏴 3-12 🇫🇷
After 25 minutes, it's the Scottish that seem to have been caught with their pants down, in spite of Nick Haining's best efforts here | 🩲@VodafoneIreland | #TeamOfUs pic.twitter.com/Fpda736qr1— Off The Ball (@offtheball) February 26, 2022
Not ones to go down quietly, Scotland were able to make it a close game again, piling on the pressure inside the French half. On his first test start, Rory Darge put the hosts within two after just under half an hour played.
RORY DARGE! 🏴
Scotland are back in it!#SCOvFRA #GuinnessSixNations pic.twitter.com/9t2rjxLJNN— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) February 26, 2022
With Fin Russell having one of his worst performances in a Scottish jersey, Scotland still managed to open the game up near the end of the first half.
Duhan van der Merwe and Chris Harris did all the hard work to open up a near-certain try, before the final pass to Stuart Hogg went to ground.
OH NO! 😫
Scotland waste a golden opportunity!
Duhan van der Merwe does brilliantly to break away but chooses the wrong pass and Hogg fumbles it!#SCOvFRA #GuinnessSixNations pic.twitter.com/HNXyRmSx6S— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) February 26, 2022
The Scots would rue that missed opportunity a few moments later, as Gael Fickou soon put France out further ahead with a bulldozing score in the corner, taking the sides to half time.
Wow. 😮
Gaël Fickou just zips through Scotland! ⚡️#SCOvFRA #GuinnessSixNations pic.twitter.com/L2eH9ZsPo4— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) February 26, 2022
It quickly became one-way traffic in the second half, though, as Scotland were unable to maintain any possession at the breakdown.
A quick score after half time for Jonathan Danty secured the bonus point. It was combination of the bounce of the ball and some blistering pace that put Danty over.
Oh dear.
The bounce of the ball kills Hogg and van der Merwe.
France get their bonus point through Jonathan Danty.
Alan Quinlan thinks Scotland should've had a penalty.#SCOvFRA #GuinnessSixNations pic.twitter.com/JT0HExcIvs— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) February 26, 2022
With just under an hour played, France continued to pile on the hurt for Scotland. Damian Penaud added his name to the scoresheet, yet again originating from breakdown turnover that put him away for one of the easiest run-ins he will have.
PENAUD! 🇫🇷
France are absolutely bossing the Scots here!#SCOvFRA #GuinnessSixNations pic.twitter.com/QsjEb2r3NG— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) February 26, 2022
With just five minutes left on the clock, Penaud nabbed himself a brace off the back of a perfectly weighted cross-field kick that found too much open space.
Fantastique. 🇫🇷
Just brilliant again from France!#SCOvFRA #GuinnessSixNations pic.twitter.com/xAgkVZQhWi— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) February 26, 2022
However it was Scotland that got the final word on the scoreboard with a consolation score in the final minutes. Blair Kinghorn sliced through a gap and put Duhan van der Merwe away for the score to make the scoreline slightly better for the hosts.
van der Merwe gets one back! 🇫🇷
Brilliant break from Blair Kinghord.#SCOvFRA #GuinnessSixNations pic.twitter.com/g0QSwDOdhy— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) February 26, 2022
Ireland will be in action at the Aviva on Sunday against Italy. Should Andy Farrell's men put up a big score against the perennial wooden spoon holders, the Irish could still find themselves on top of the Six Nations if either England or Wales beat France.
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