France secured the Six Nations title with a dominant 35-16 victory over Scotland, sealing their triumph with an explosive second-half performance. Despite early pressure from England and a spirited challenge from Scotland, France demonstrated their versatility, combining power and finesse to clinch their first championship since 2022.
Returning home to the Stade de France after three away games, Les Bleus delivered a performance that underscored their quality. Their only slip-up came against England, costing them a Grand Slam, but they had been in unstoppable form since. The victory also set records, including Louis Bielle-Biarrey’s eighth try of the tournament, the most ever in a single Six Nations campaign. France also surpassed the previous record of 29 tries in a championship, set by England in 2001.
Scotland provided a stern test, their attacking flair matching France’s for much of the game. The visitors appeared to have taken the lead just before halftime when Blair Kinghorn set up Tom Jordan for a try. However, a review showed Kinghorn’s elbow had grazed the touchline, disallowing the score and preserving France’s narrow lead at the break.
Earlier, Peato Mauvaka was sent to the sin-bin for striking Ben White after play had stopped. Though his action was reckless, the card remained yellow after review, avoiding what could have been a harsher punishment. This moment, combined with Jamie Ritchie’s early yellow card for collapsing a maul, contributed to a tense first half.
France opened the scoring through Yoram Moefana, who finished off a slick move initiated by Thomas Ramos and Gaël Fickou. Ramos and Finn Russell exchanged penalties before Scotland struck back with a try. Russell’s long pass found Huw Jones, who made ground before feeding Darcy Graham, whose sharp footwork took him through the French defense. Russell’s successful penalty before halftime leveled the scores, but Ramos ensured France held a slight advantage with another three points just before the break.
After halftime, Scotland remained threatening, but a misplaced pass proved costly. Russell and Graham’s attempted switch went to ground, allowing Romain Ntamack to pounce. Bielle-Biarrey, always alert, sprinted onto the loose ball and finished clinically, securing his place in the record books.
France then turned to brute force. A series of powerful forward drives, supported by fresh reinforcements from the bench, pinned Scotland deep in their territory. A penalty kick to the corner set up a driving maul before the ball was spread wide to Ramos, who crossed for another try. In doing so, he surpassed Frédéric Michalak as France’s all-time top point-scorer.
With the lead stretching to 14 points, France put the result beyond doubt. Bielle-Biarrey’s quick footwork created space for Moefana, who touched down for his second try of the night. The bonus point was secured, confirming France as Six Nations champions.
Though Scotland fought bravely, France’s blend of skill, power, and clinical finishing proved too much. This triumph marks a return to the top for a team that has entertained and impressed throughout the tournament. With young talents like Bielle-Biarrey breaking records and experienced figures like Ramos leading the charge, France’s future looks as bright as their present. Their celebrations at the Stade de France were well deserved, as they lifted the trophy in front of an ecstatic home crowd.
