Six Nations Preview: France vs Scotland

There was a time when odd years in the Guinness Six Nations meant for a tough time for Scotland, such was their record at Twickenham and the Stade de France.

Until 2021, they had not managed a win at either ground since Italy joined the Championship, and therefore could never really threaten to get into the title conversation.

All that has changed now though. The Scots are unbeaten on their last three trips to London, successive victories following 2019’s bonkers 38-38 draw.

And the last time they were in Paris, Duhan van der Merwe’s 85th-minute try ended a 22-year wait for a win in the French capital.

Now, it is with expectation, rather than hope, that Gregor Townsend’s team travel in Round 3, looking to build on a perfect ten points from ten to begin their campaign.

They face a France team who have no margin for error, after defeat in Dublin ended their hopes of becoming the first time in the Six Nations era to win back-to-back Grand Slams.

A second successive title challenge will be ended if Scotland come away with a win from Paris but under Fabien Galthié, Les Bleus have only lost successive matches once in the last four years.

The record against Scotland is even, two wins and two defeats, with the first in Edinburgh in 2020 costing France the Championship title, and the loss two years ago at the Stade de France also ending their hopes of lifting the trophy.

A year ago, however, France produced arguably the best display of their Grand Slam campaign in a 36-17 win at BT Murrayfield, so even the most optimistic Scotland fans will temper their expectations with a little trepidation.

TEAM NEWS

Both teams have kept changes to a minimum with one alteration apiece for Sunday’s encounter.

For Les Bleus, the only swap is an enforced one, Mohamed Haouas coming in for the suspended Uini Atonio.

Despite going down to a 32-19 loss in Dublin in Round 2, Galthié has kept faith with his side as he looks to bounce back.

Scotland, meanwhile, have also made one change, bringing back Hamish Watson at openside flanker after he proved his fitness.

There are also changes on the bench for Scotland, with Townsend opting for a 6-2 bench split as versatile forward Sam Skinner comes in for centre Chris Harris.

The other change sees Ali Price preferred to George Horne, who came off the bench in the first two games of the campaign.

STAT ATTACK

- Scotland won on their last trip to Paris and are seeking back-to-back Championship victories in the French capital for the first time since 1969.

- Les Bleus have won 18 of their last 19 Test matches on home soil, with their only defeat at home under Fabien Galthié coming against Scotland two years ago.

- Scotland (222) and France (243) have made the fewest carries of any teams in the Guinness Six Nations through two rounds. Despite this, France have beaten the most defenders (75), while Scotland have beaten the joint second most (59).

- France have made 23 offloads in this year’s Championship, at least five more than any other team. Scotland, by contrast, have made the fewest offloads, with just eight.