Slick France down Scotland
5 Feb 2011
GARETH DUNCAN reports on France’s 34-21 win over Scotland in Paris on Saturday.
While the first two Six Nations fixtures were criticised for a poor standard of rugby, this match proved that the tournament can produce entertaining and top quality Tests. The match was played at good pace, despite the pitch being torn apart beneath the players’ feet. There was also a competitive contest at the breakdown and impressive all-round play from both teams.
France and Scotland played to their strengths well, the former dangerous with ball in hand and on the counter attack while they ruled the breakdown and scrum. The visitors built momentum through their forwards and their cover defence came to the rescue on several occasions.
However, France’s attacking flair proved too much for brave Scotland as tries from wing Maxime Medard, No 8 Imanol Harinordoquy and fullback Damien Traille, and a penalty try sealed a good win.
France opened the scoring after a great counter attack. After flyhalf Francois Trinh-Duc and inside centre Maxime Mermoz stole possession in centre field, outside centre Aurelien Rougerie broke down the touchline and his chip ahead was finished off by Medard. Scrumhalf Morgan Parra added the extras and Trinh-Duc’s drop goal minutes later made it 10-0.
Scotland hit back through skipper Alastrair Kellock, the lock crossing the chalk after his forwards drove play up in several waves. But the visitors suffered a massive blow before half time as their scrum crumbled four times in their red zone before referee Wayne Barnes awarded France a penalty try. The hosts led 17-7 at the break.
France continued to play expansively in the second stanza, which saw Harinordoquy and Traille cross the chalk from attacks sparked from the halfway line. Eighthman Kelly Brown and replacement wing Sean Lamont scored tries for Scotland to add respectability to the score.
Follow SA Rugby mag on Twitter
7 Comments
5 Feb 2011, 21:10 pm
****-a-rill Dragons slay the bravehearts…was a good game but Scotland just didn’t have the patience or skill to defeat the french defence today
6 Feb 2011, 08:36 am
French scrum dangerous
6 Feb 2011, 09:49 am
French defence missed 25 tackles, they’re not going to win at Twickers playing like that.
6 Feb 2011, 12:39 pm
They really have to get rid of hat irritating hamster sounding Welsh commentator – I cannot understand a word he says.
6 Feb 2011, 13:06 pm
@RedLion is waiting …(RL)-4:
Perhaps its because the Six Nations is a Northen Hemisphere tournament which contains Wales?
Im sure he has exactly the same thing to say about the tri nations or currie cup.
6 Feb 2011, 13:23 pm
that oke has made me stop supporting the welsh, i actually used to like them
6 Feb 2011, 14:10 pm
Andy Robinson has done good job with the Scotland squad, but he still has a way to go before he can pick up that Grand Slam trophy.
Having watched the Wales v England and Italy v Ireland, Scotland have a good chance of picking off those teams. They could use a good number 10. I wonder if Oz have any more rejects?
France are still my bet for the Six Nations Champs trophy.
Just hope the Stormers get a grip, and stop giving away penalties and collecting yellow cards!
Have your say
You must be logged in to post a comment.