1
Match Highlights: France take retribution on undermanned Scotland
By Online Editors
Scotland’s Guinness Six Nations campaign has been reduced to an exercise in damage limitation after failing to end their two-decade wait for a win in Paris.
After an embarrassing loss to England at Twickenham a fortnight ago, France secured a 27-10 bonus-point win with tries from Romain Ntamack, Yoann Huget and a late Gregory Alldritt brace as the injury-hit Dark Blues contributed to their own downfall for the second game running.
An injection of youth into France's starting team paid dividends, with Toulouse-trio Antoine Dupont, Thomas Ramos, and Romain Ntamack contributing to three of the four tries.
Gregor Townsend’s men are left with two games against Wales and England – the world’s number four and three ranked sides – to salvage some pride from a Championship that has so far produced only a win over whipping boys Italy, while France are yet to play Ireland and Italy.
Trending on RugbyPass
2
Robertson says Italy sensed All Blacks' weaknesses
3
All Blacks player ratings vs Italy
4
Scotland's Sione Tuipulotu admits anger at Australian rugby
5
Latest Comments
I think Italy were always targetting this match and intended to win. They needed to exorcise the 2023 RWC. I think they could have done with a bit more help from other 6Ns particularly from Ireland to knock more holes in NZ and their confidence.
Mentioned before the Italy Argentina match was a virus that ripped through the Italy camp early that week. In general play Italy were competitive albeit with a high error count and crucial missed tackles.
Ive said it before the era of NZ turning up unprepared for all comers and triumphing is definitively over. If a Tier1 team target NZ and NZ do not prepare accordingly they are in with a major chance of losing. It used to occur the odd time in RWCs against France, now it can occur v any Tier1. The competition has improved. NZ can still be at the top but their talents must be deployed sufficiently into dismantling teams as with their attack then allowed to exploit.
They dismantled Ireland pretty well in Dublin which went largely unnoticed. That allowed them scoreboard advantage and attacking opportunities of which one was enough.
That Italian team beat Wales and significantly Scotland last year. They used the loss to NZ in the most positive way possible. No doubt NZ prepared but I would assume it was similar to versus Argentina: 3/4 arsed at best. These test matches are rare and this was another chance to practice dismantling a determined and prepared opponent which was lost. If Italy had scored a 7 pointer at 17-6....an Italian win was on.
Go to commentsGB = England, Scotland, Wales. UK = England, Wales, Scotland, NI
Nothing to stew son.
Go to comments