The Famous Grouse Nations Series

Full-Time

France_Rugby_crest_rev
30 - 27
30
verses icon
27
Scotland_whiteout

3
Tries
4
Ntamack32′
Penaud42′
Ollivon44′
4′Steyn
62′van der Merwe
68′Darge
73′Steyn
3
Conversions
2
Ramos33′
Ramos43′
Ramos46′
6′Russell
69′Russell
3
Penalties
1
Ramos8′
Ramos22′
Ramos79′
11′Russell
0
Drop Goals
0
80

Lineout on the 22

Yup, kicked to touch. Scottish lineout in “overtime”, on the left side of the 22.

FT

Full time

What a test match.

It’s heartbreak for Scotland in the end as the ball is knocked on at the lineout. But some positives to take from the four tries and long spells of that match.

Both teams went for it in the second half and treated us to some excellent rugby.

Thanks for following the match centre! We’ll see you on the 26th as we host Georgia at Scottish Gas Murrayfield.

78

Penalty France

Frustration.

It’s deemed that Scotland collapse the scrum. Ramos will kick at goal from in front of the posts, 22 metres out.

80

France lead

Ramos is successful. France lead with a minute to go.

73

STEYN AGAIN!!!

We’re level!

Scotland have slightly more energy it would seem. A couple of kicks from each side, then Kinghorn breaks on the right. George Horne picks it up and grubbers for Steyn, who just stays infield and grounds it.

GAME ON!

80

Scotland penalty

Clock in the red, and Scotland get the penalty for a tackle off the ball.

It’s 60 metres out, so probably not kickable. It looks like Russell will kick for touch once Sutherland, the man on the receiving end of that tackle, has got some treatment.

71

Try saver from Smith!

It’s so end-to-end right now! Some tired bodies in the Saint-Etienne heat.

Finn Russell chips over the top, but France gather and Villiere sprints for the line.

Ollie Smith just gets to him, and he manages to dislodge the ball on the line! Fantastic defence.

Scotland will scrum down five metres out.

68

DARGE!

Scotland right back in this!

France attack from the kick off, but there’s a tackle off the ball and Scotland get the penalty.

Then another penalty is awarded to Scotland which is taken quickly, and a phase later Rory Darge crashes over!

Russell brings us to within five.

77

Mistakes from both sides

Both sides determined to win.

Scotland go first but lose it, and France get to our 22. But Russell causes a knock on, and we have the scrum.

62

DUHAN!

From very little, Scotland have the try.

Huw Jones makes the break on the left, and cuts inside before being brought down inches short.

But the ball is flung to the left from van der Merwe, who has space and time to dot down.

55

Incredible kick from Finn!

France get inches short before Ritchie makes another vital ruck turnover, giving Scotland the penalty.

Russell then hoofs it downfield where France are unprepared, and after two bounces it rolls out in their 22!

Scotland will go from there.

64

Last act for van der Merwe

Duhan pulls up in the act of scoring and comes off. Ollie Smith is on.

Scott Cummings also enters the fray for Richie Gray.

60

Another good touch-finder from Finn

France coming up hard in defence, and putting us under pressure.

Finn sees a gap on the right and finds touch just outside the 22.

57

Another home penalty

France’s counter-rucking has been very hot. This time it’s Villiere who steals it, and France exit to their own 10m line.

58

Forward pass

Both sides have a couple of kicks downfield, and then Scotland go from their own half.

But a forward pass gives France the scrum on the right.

59

Host of changes

George Horne, Stuart McInally, Rory Sutherland, Javan Sebastian and Sam Skinner have all come on.

They replace Ali Price, George Turner, Pierre Schoeman, WP Nel and Grant Gilchrist.

53

Kick through from Price

France defend well from the scrum, so Ali Price puts boot to ball.

He finds a gap on the left and it rolls out about six metres from France’s line.

54

France attack

Scotland go again but there’s another knock on, and Danty clears.

Duhan gathers but is bundled into touch in his own half, and Dupont takes a quick lineout.

51

Kicked dead

Scotland get the free kick from the scrum, and Russell hoofs it out.

Ramos takes the lineout quickly and returns it, but his kick rolls all the way out.

Scotland scrum, around 35m from France’s line.

50

TMO check…

France think they have another one here…

Penaud hacks forward on the right, and as two players dive for it and miss the winger dots down.

We’re going to see how the ball got to Penaud over the line…

50

No try

It got to Penaud via a Ntamack knock on.

Scotland will scrum down on their own 5m line.

42

France score straight away

Pierre Schoeman knocks on in the first phase after kickoff, and France then attack down the left.

Damien Penaud goes over in the corner, and Ramos adds two more.

HT

Five points from Finn

A conversion and a penalty from fly-half Finn Russell completed our scoring in the opening 40.

41

Second half underway

Ntamack restarts this game.

COME ON SCOTLAND!!!

49

Two knock ons

van der Merwe knocks the ball on over on the left.

After France’s scrum, Russell intercepts and Duhan then goes down the right, but he’s lost it in the tackle this time and France will have another scrum.

44

Counter attack third for France

The speed of France was far too much there.

Kinghorn finds touch from our 22, and France go quickly. Dupont finds Ramos on the left, who beats Price and charges for the line. He finds Ollivon on the inside, who rounds Russell and scores under the posts.

HT

Half time

Scotland steal the lineout and clear upfield, and France decide it’s time for a break.

France go in three in front.

47

Flat ball?!

Kinghorn gathers the ball just inside his own 10m line, and just as he goes to throw the pass, he stops dead…

The referee stops play, because the ball has burst! We’ll find a new one and go again from a scrum.

HT

Steyn in it

After an excellent start for Scotland, France clawed their way back in front. The sin bin period ended for Ali Price just as that half ended, and Scotland conceded their only try of the half in that spell.

But this flying finish from Kyle Steyn means we’re very much still in this contest.

40

Danty turnover

Scotland trying to just keep the ball and run down that sin bin period.

But Danty gets over the ball and France have another penalty, which they kick to just inside our 10m line.

36

Knock on

France knock on after a maul, and Scotland will have the scrum just outside their 22.

Who’s going to put the ball in for us? Looks like it’ll be Russell!

40

Kick to the corner

Clock in the red, but France get another penalty as a maul gets collapsed.

France’s lineout is inside our 22.

32

Ntamack gets France’s first try

From the scrum, Dupont runs from the base and finds Romain Ntamack, who squeezes between two defenders and over on the left side.

Ramos’ conversion gives them a lead of three.

28

Two France penalties and a yellow for Price

France win the penalty at a breakdown on the right side, and as Dupont goes quickly Ali Price tackles him from an offside position.

It’s deemed intentional, so Price will spend ten minutes in the bin.

37

Scotland penalty

An easier exit this time, Russell won’t have to try another box!

France are penalised at the breakdown. Russell gives Scotland the lineout on the edge of France’s 22 on the right.

35

Out on the full

Dupont returns Scotland’s kick off into touch, and then Finn Russell slots in at scrum half and attempts a box kick.

It doesn’t go well however, and it finds touch on the full. France have the lineout on Scotland’s 10m line.

26

Free kick

Scotland go backwards for two scrums in a row, but we get the free kick.

Another scrum is the call.

20

Knock on!

France set another maul, but there’s a knock on and Scotland will have the scrum!

A chance to exit from around six metres out.

24

Chaos in midfield

My goodness, a lot going on there.

Looks like a knock on from both sides. Jamie Ritchie makes another turnover and then a Scotland pass is intercepted whilst playing knock-on advantage.

Scrum to Scotland on halfway.

31

Another penalty

Scotland concede a ninth penalty in half an hour, this one for not rolling.

France elect for a scrum around 10m from our try line.

21

French penalty

France win the penalty at the scrum and get possession again.

They kick to the corner again.

23

Ramos kicks over

Scotland lead by four again.

18

Third penalty

Scotland drive too early as France set up a maul. They’ll kick to the left corner again.

17

Two French penalties

Firstly, Richie Gray is penalised for coming in the side of a ruck.

France kick to touch, and from the resulting maul Ritchie is then penalised.

The hosts kick to the corner…

22

Unlucky for Darge

Rory Darge thinks he’s made a legal steal at the breakdown, but the referee decides otherwise.

Another penalty for France, and this time they’ll take a shot from in line with the right post.

13

Goal line dropout

Scotland’s exit is better, and as France come forward from halfway George Turner finds an excellent ruck steal.

Russell then sees space down the middle and puts boot to ball, but it’s slightly too long and Danty touches down in his own try area.

15

Scotland lineout

As Scotland come forward, the ball goes loose and Dupont hacks it into touch on the full.

Scotland will attack via a lineout on the left around 25m out.

10

Scotland come again

As France try to run from deep, Jamie Ritchie makes an excellent steal at the ruck.

France are then caught kicking the ball at the ruck. Russell will go for goal from inside the 10m line, on the right side.

7

Penalty France

Scotland can’t work the exit successfully.

Pierre Schoeman carries in and unfortunately for Gilchrist, he slips over a French player and can’t get to the ruck to secure the ball.

Schoeman is penalised for holding on, and Ramos will go for goal.

11

Three points!

A seven-point lead is restored.

8

It’s good

7-3!

1

First lineout Scotland

Kinghorn hoofs it into France’s 22. Dupont returns it to halfway, and Scotland have the lineout there.

5

STEYNOOOOOOOOOOOO!

WOW!

Scotland go to the maul, working infield. The backs then work their magic and Blair Kinghorn fires it out to Kyle Steyn on the right touchline who sprints over.

An excellent touchline conversion from Russell as well.

That’s what we were after from the opening five minutes!

3

Good start!

A strong opening from the visitors!

After Scotland push side to side, Finn Russell’s kick to the corner takes an awkward bounce which sends it into the hands of Duhan van der Merwe.

France are then offside, and Scotland boot to the left corner.

20:06

Deafening

This is an incredible atmosphere. Plenty Scots packed in there as well!

Blair Kinghorn will get this game underway.

1

Kick off!

COME ON SCOTLAND!!!

19:41

Allez Price

Tonight’s scrum-half Ali Price and the team are on the pitch in Saint-Etienne.

19:18

Jay leads the way

Scotland captain Jamie Ritchie leads the team into the stadium for the first time in The Famous Grouse Nations Series.

20:00

Here we come!

The teams emerge into an electric atmosphere in Saint-Etienne. An opportunity here for Scotland to see the kind of crowds they can expect during France’s World Cup.

Anthem time!

19:01

Bonne soirée!

Welcome to our Match Centre for tonight’s Famous Grouse Nations Series match away to France.

19:27

Late show at Scottish Gas Murrayfield last week

In the fixture between the two sides last weekend in Edinburgh, Scotland went in 21-3 down at half time before three second half tries, including this effort from Dave Cherry, took us to a 25-21 win.

Will we see something similar at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard tonight?

19:30

Our Journey Episode 2

Our Journey, brought to you by sportsbreaks.com, takes you closer than ever to the team as they prepare for Rugby World Cup 2023. This second of a three-part series focuses on Rory Darge, Duhan Van De Merwe and coach John Dalziel as the squad tackle the opening tests in The Famous Grouse Nations Series.

WATCH HERE 

12:00

Team

Check out today’s Scotland team to face France in the Summer Nations Series at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard in Saint Etienne, as Scotland look to make it two from two against France following last weekend’s win.

SEE HERE

19:15

Team Reminder

Your Scotland team for tonight’s game led by captain Jamie Ritchie.

 

19:50

Warm-Ups Done

15 minutes to go and Scotland are ready! Warm-ups complete. 

 

#AsOne   

09:00

It’s Game Day!

Scotland are in St Etienne today to face France for a second time this summer in their Rugby World Cup build up. Let’s do it!

13:00

Where To Watch

All the info you need to watch along from home today!

 

UK: Amazon Prime Video

Global: https://bit.ly/451IhgD 

19:05

One Hour To Go

Catch up on this week’s Official Scottish Rugby Podcast ahead of kick off. Chris and Caroline were joined by Scotland international Dave Cherry as they looked ahead to this weekend’s match against France and got a sense of the mood in camp.

 

Listen HERE or on Spotify, PodBean and Apple Podcasts.

A game that had everything, including one of Scotland’s heartiest performances yet, ends in disappointment for the visitors despite a last gasp try from Player of the Match, Kyle Steyn.

Scotland kicked off at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard through Blair Kinghorn, sending the match ball cleanly into France’s 22. Almost immediately, Dupont returned with a clearance kick to the half-way line, gifting Scotland a lineout.

George Turner and the rest of the forward pack delivered a perfect set piece with vice-captain Grant Gilchrist delivering the ball in the air. Beginning their first phase of attack, Scotland worked hard to keep the ball alive using the full width of the pitch from left to right.

In his quintessential style, Finn Russell shot a cross field kick down the park which was expertly gathered by Duhan van der Merwe before France were penalised by referee Nic Berry for being offside. Russell then sent the ball to the left corner for another lineout, this time within striking distance of the French try line.

With Scotland’s lineout firing on all cylinders, the forward pack followed up with brute force mauling their way to gain ground before safely getting the ball to the back line. The ball effortlessly found Huw Jones and Kinghorn. With rapid fire, he delivered the ball to winger Kyle Steyn, who went gliding into space and across the line. Finn Russell’s tight angle conversion sailed through the sticks (0-7, 5 mins).

Despite a well gathered restart, Scotland struggled with the exit with Pierre Schoeman penalised for holding on after a strong carry, a gift for France as play concluded within Scotland’s half. Thomas Ramos lined up to go for goal to get the hosts onto the board. It sailed through and the gap was narrowed. (3-7, 7 mins).

France’s attacking restart saw them try to run the ball up to Scotland, but a fantastic tackle by Sione Tuipulotu allowed skipper Jamie Ritchie to steal the ball at the ruck. With France caught kicking the ball in the ruck, Scotland were awarded the penalty allowing Russell to go for goal from inside the French 10-meter line, which ultimately concluded in Scotland’s lead being extended (3-10, 10 mins).

From the next restart, France piled on the pressure and a loose ball forced a penalty, taken by Dupont as he found touch on the full, for a line out. France made good ground from here with their maul, but just as they advanced on the half-way line, Turner showed off his defensive threat with a fantastic turnover in the ruck. With Russell identifying some space in the midfield, he sent the ball back into French territory. The force sent the ball long, gifting France a goal line drop out.

A succession of Scottish penalties followed. Ritchie Gray was firstly penalised for being in at the side as he rucked over Rory Darge who had carried well. France put foot to boot for a chance to strike inside Scotland’s half, and it was here that the Scotland skipper was deemed to be offside in the maul.

The hosts once again gained ground with a kick to the corner for another lineout, this time within much closer range of the try line. Despite Scotland’s defensive efforts, a further succession of errors including an early engage at the maul from vice-captain Grant Gilchrist allowed France to set up once more.

This time Scotland were successful, forcing a knock on for the first scrum of the match and Scotland’s opportunity to climb out of their half. It wasn’t to be, however.

With just 20 minutes gone, it felt like déjà vu with the forwards setting up for another line out. As France began to maul, rapid defensive efforts from Scotland saw them strip the ball from France’s clutches some three meters from the try line. But the elation was met with disappointment when Darge was penalised for being off his feet at the ruck. Despite their various attempts for a try, France then chose to take three in front of the sticks. Ramos added to his tally taking the score within four (6-10, 21 mins).

A fairly frantic 10 minutes soon followed with errors from both sides. Scotland’s pass was intercepted whilst the visitors had advantage, and it was once again time for a Scotland scrum.

It took some three scrums to see the next of the action begin. Strong work from Scotland, they began to find their footing inside French territory but the hosts won the turn over and took a quick tap and go. France thought they were away, but Price brought Dupont into touch. Unfortunately the scrum-half paid the price for his actions, deemed intentionally offside and sent to the sin-bin as a result.

France took the opportunity to send the ball deep into Scotland’s half for another line out. With just 10 minutes left on the clock for the first half, France were on the charge, working through multiple phases.

Scotland suffered another penalty with Gilchrist not rolling, and France chose to scrum down some 10-meters from Scotland’s try line.

With Scotland in a one-man deficit, France had the attacking advantage. Romain Ntamack forced his way through Scotland’s defence on the left to cross the whitewash and give France the lead. Ramos added the extras (13-10, 32 mins).

The closing 10 minutes of the first half saw a real back and forth between the two sides, with mistakes from both. Before the half-time whistle blew, Price was returned to the action – alleviating Russell of his ball-feeding duties at the scrum.

Two lineout attempts within Scotland’s half provided fruitless for France with Richie Gray stealing the ball in the second. As Scotland looked to exit and close the game, Russell’s kick for touch stretched a little too far, but France decided it was time for a break and closed the first-half three points in front.

Half-time: France 13 10 Scotland

If you thought Scotland had a quick start in the first half, well France came off the mark at lightning speed executing a try within two minutes of returning to the field through Damien Penaud, instigated from a break up the wing from Dupont. Ramos added the extras (20-10, 41 mins).

Within minutes of the restart, despite Scotland’s best efforts their defence was well manipulated, with France offloading the ball in rapid fashion before Charles Ollivon went soaring beneath the posts for five. Ramos added the extras from close range (27-10, 45 mins).

It was a back and forth five minutes, but eventually France regained possession and began to look for a try scoring opportunity. Looking for space, Dupont grubbered the ball into Scotland’s 22 and the men in white had the foot on the gas. But, so did Price and van der Merwe, as they were on a mission to stop France getting there first. The Scots got there first, but in the chaos, Ntamack gathered and dotted down. After a review from the TMO however, the try was not given and Scotland let out a sigh of relief (50 mins).

Scotland were awarded a scrum, which saw France falling forward gifting the visitors a free kick which was gathered and returned quickly by Ramos, but it was kicked dead and Scotland were taken into France’s 22 for their real chance to attack in the second half.

Despite some fantastic creativity to work around France’s defence, Price nudged the ball through a gap, where it rolled into touch some meters from France’s line.

Scotland took the opportunity to make some changes, George Horne, Stuart McInally, Rory Sutherland, Javan Sebastian and Sam Skinner enter the field to replace Ali Price, George Turner, Pierre Schoeman, WP Nel and Grant Gilchrist.

A scrappy 10 minutes of play followed with both side kicking downfield, but after some time, Scotland had possession and the game began to open up. Scotland’s Huw Jones saw the opportunity in front of him and made a spectacular break, cutting a fantastic inside line before being stuck down by the French defence just two meters before the line, but quick ball to the hands of van der Mewre sees the ball dotted down and it felt like change was coming for Scotland (27-15, 63 mins).

The try scorer was shortly replaced by Ollie Smith through injury. Scott Cummings was also brought on to replace Richie Gray (64 mins).

Scotland were determined to prove they were back in this game, and just minutes later produced another fantastic try. From the kick off, France quickly found themselves in trouble with Rory Sutherland tackled without the ball. Scotland took the scrum and held their own, getting the ball from Russell to Kinghorn, who founds Steyn cutting into the midfield before offloading to McInally. The hooker was just short of the try line, but a phase later the ball was safely in the hands of Darge and importantly, across the whitewash. Russell added the extras and suddenly this was a five point match (27-22, 68 mins).

France were eager to respond and just as it looked like their winger was away down the flank, try saving Smith brings him down and forced the ball to be spilled in the process, giving Scotland a scrum just five meters from their own try line.

Scotland made a successful exit but France returned the ball again. Russell saw an opportunity and ran into space before offloading to Kinghorn, who found George Horne. The scrum-half skillfully chipped the ball through, with Steyn in pursuit. The winger gathered in smooth fashion to bag himself a brace and crucially bring the score to draw with just seven minutes left of the clock (27-27, 73 mins).

Josh Bayliss was next to enter play, replacing Jack Dempsey who had a fantastic showing in the back row (74 mins).

Scotland’s next attacking opportunity was found at a line out, but it didn’t quite function as planned and France stole the ball, but a fantastic interception by Scotland’s magician Russell saw France knock the ball on. Scotland now had a scrum inside their half with less than three mins on the clock, but Sutherland was penalised for going to ground. Now France were within striking distance for an easy penalty kick to the posts. Ramos lined up for goal and France retook the lead with less than 90 seconds left of the game (30-27, 78 mins).

Scotland were lit up with a stirring fire ignited in them to make every second left on the clock count, and they looked dangerous. With Sutherland struck unlawfully, Scotland had the penalty and one final chance to close the game with a win.

Russell sent the ball in France’s 22 for a line out. But the lineout ended in bitter disappointment with referee Berry deeming the ball to have been knocked on in the air. Scotland’s chance at a win in France was brought to a close.

Full-time: France 30 27 Scotland

Scotland: Blair Kinghorn (Edinburgh Rugby); Kyle Steyn; Huw Jones; Sione Tuipulotu (all Glasgow Warriors); Duhan van der Merwe (Edinburgh Rugby); Finn Russell (Bath Rugby); Ali Price (Glasgow Warriors); Pierre Schoeman (Edinburgh Rugby); George Turner (Glasgow Warriors); WP Nel (Edinburgh Rugby); Richie Gray (Glasgow Warriors); Grant Gilchrist; Jamie Ritchie CAPTAIN (both Edinburgh Rugby); Rory Darge; Jack Dempsey (both Glasgow Warriors)

Subs: Stuart McInally (Edinburgh Rugby); Rory Sutherland (unattached); Javan Sebastian (Edinburgh Rugby); Scott Cummings (Glasgow Warriors); Sam Skinner (Edinburgh Rugby); Josh Bayliss (Bath Rugby); George Horne (Glasgow Warriors); Ollie Smith (Glasgow Warriors)

France: Thomas Ramos; Damian Penaud; Gael Fickou; Jonathan Danty; Gabin Villiere; Romain Ntamack; Antoine Dupont CAPATIN; Gregory Alldritt; Charles Ollivon; Paul Boudehent; Thibaud Flament; Cameron Woki; Dorian Aldegheri; Julien Marchand; Cyril Baille

Subs: Pierre Bourgarit; Jean-Baptiste Gros; Uini Atonio; Florian Verhaeghe; Bastien Chalureau; Sekou Macalou; Maxime Lucu; Louis Bielle-Biarrey

Referee: Nic Berry (Australia)

Assistant Referees: Karl Dickson (England) Adam Leal (England)

TMO: Tom Foley (England)

Attendance: 41,181

Player of the Match: Kyle Steyn (Scotland)

80:00 Second Half End

78:33

Ramos

74:01

Bayliss
Dempsey

72:24

Steyn

68:40

Lucu
Dupont

68:28

Russell

67:29

Darge

66:17

Verhaeghe
Alldritt

64:37

Cummings
Gray

63:18

Smith
van der Merwe

63:08

Macalou
Danty

63:02

Chalureau
Flament

61:32

van der Merwe

55:03

Skinner
Gilchrist

55:02

Bielle-Biarrey
Ntamack

55:01

Sebastian
Nel

55:00

Sutherland
Schoeman

54:59

McInally
Turner

54:58

Horne
Price

49:13

Atonio
Aldegheri

49:12

Bourgarit
Marchand

48:13

Gros
Baille

45:01

Ramos

43:43

Ollivon

42:29

Ramos

40:00 First Half End

41:11

Penaud

32:27

Ramos

31:10

Ntamack

27:03

Price

21:47

Ramos

10:08

Russell

07:13

Ramos

05:04

Russell

03:59

Steyn

Kick-off 8:05 pm

tries

3

conversion goals

3

penalty goals

3

kick success

21

possession

40

tackles

153

scrums won

4

lineouts won

14

clean breaks

3

turnovers conceded

15

yellow cards

0

red cards

0

tries

4

conversion goals

2

penalty goals

1

kick success

21

possession

60

tackles

82

scrums won

7

lineouts won

10

clean breaks

8

turnovers conceded

12

yellow cards

1

red cards

0

France

Scotland Men