Scotland will be out to record one of the greatest results in their history when they tackle France in the third round of the Six Nations at the Stade de France on Sunday.
France v Scotland
Sunday 26 February
17:00
Stade de France
France 1/4 | Draw 25/1 Ireland 3/1
Handicap
France (-8.5) 9/10 | Scotland (+8.5) 9/10
After a shaky win against Italy, the French were undone 19-32 by Ireland at the Aviva a fortnight ago in their first loss in 15 Test matches. The defending champions certainly had their moments, particularly on the counter, but were eventually overwhelmed in the Irish capital.
While far from ideal, the defeat isn’t a death sentence for Fabien Galthie’s side, who can keep the heat on Ireland by winning their remaining matches. The hosts will bring their trademark kicking and power game to Paris on Sunday looking for a repeat of their 36-17 win at Murrayfield in last year’s edition.
France may be heavily favoured to win this one, but it’s the Scots who have the upper hand in clashes between the two of late, having won three of the last five. Crucially, they also have momentum on their side.
Sean Maitland with the finish back in 2020 🕺#AsOne pic.twitter.com/AYQF0duv0H
— Scottish Rugby (@Scotlandteam) February 22, 2023
Scotland’s 35-7 defeat of Wales in round two wasn’t just their biggest ever win over the Dragons, it also earned them back-to-back victories in the competition for the first time in the Six Nations era. Despite their limited resources, Gregor Townsend’s men are more than capable of punching above their weight, although consistency has been a major problem for them.
That’s partially why a third championship win on the trot this weekend would be one of the Brave Hearts’ biggest. Coming up against the world’s second-ranked side, and with hope of a first title since 1990 never far off, another victory would send Scottish supporters into hysteria.
While the Scots are one of the few teams in the competition that can rival France’s exceptional kicking game, the hosts’ physicality up front is something that will give the Brits a headache – in more ways than one. The visitors should definitely be up for it, but ultimately the French will be victorious.
Scotland on the plus here.
