France pip brave Scots
26 Feb 2012
France fought hard for a 23-17 win over Scotland in Edinburgh.
Scotland were very impressive in the opening quarter and looked capable of recording their first victory over Les Beus in six years. However, errors at crucial moments were duly punished by France, who took advantage of the hosts’ defensive lapses and ill-discipline to secure a comeback win.
Scotland dominated from the outset, as they camped inside the French red zone for the first eight minutes of the match. Their efforts were rewarded with a try for debutant fullback Stuart Hogg, who showed great pace to dive in at the corner. Flyhalf Greig Laidlaw secured a 10-point advantage when he added a conversion, then slotted a penalty moments later.
But in typical fashion, Scotland failed to build on to their early ascendancy as France drew level before the break. Inside centre Wesley Fofana grabbed his second try in only his second Test as he beat four defenders on route to the whitewash. Scrumhalf Morgan Parra kicked five points to see the scoreboard read 10-10 at half-time.
France edged ahead for the first time in the match early in the second stanza, when Parra slotted his second penalty. Scotland surprised again though, when they scored against a run of play. Fofana was tackled in centre field, and a turnover sparked a counter attack. Smart interplay saw the ball moved wide and wing Lee Jones dotted down.
It didn’t take long for France to regain the lead as a defensive lapse saw fullback Maxime Medard score a telling try two minutes later. Replacement flyhalf Lionel Beauxis then settled the result with a drop goal.
By Gareth Duncan
6 Comments
26 Feb 2012, 19:03 pm
Froggy Dragons
26 Feb 2012, 20:08 pm
Amazing that those Frogs made it to the RWC final and were cheated out of the win. They were very unimpressive today, and to think that 4 months or so ago, they outplayed the All Blacks.
Mind you, the 2011 RWC was not a real RWC as the AB’s never had to play the Boks.
27 Feb 2012, 00:04 am
@BULLET(BULLET)-2: Less amazing when you consider France lost three games at the world cup – one of them to Tonga, population 108,000.
27 Feb 2012, 00:20 am
@BULLET(BULLET)-2:
Now cast your little memory back a bit. The ABs outplayed france in the first half, in fact it was only the missed kicks at goal that seemed to have kept the French in the game.
But of course you seen as RWC 2011 wasnt real cos the ABs didnt play the Boks, same must apply to RWC 2007, Boks did not play the best in the world AB team. But hey its on the trophy, i suggest you bite the bullet and carry on with life.
27 Feb 2012, 00:25 am
@gonzo(gonzo)-3:
Hmmm according to bullet he is struggling with tht thought of the best team and most consistent winning team over the last 8 years has managed to get the mitts on the RWC, seems fitting to me.
He would rather see the French that 3 games at the RWC, and just manage to beat the Scots to be named the best in the world. I believe he has a chip on his shoulder with the
Kiwis…..just the way i like it. Nothing better than a sore losing Boks fan.
27 Feb 2012, 13:34 pm
Scotland should have SOS after their name Same Old Shite.
Have your say
You must be logged in to post a comment.