France Clinches Six Nations Title Despite Two Sin Bins and Sets New Records

France triumphed over a determined Scotland team with a score of 35-16, securing the Six Nations title while also breaking the tournament try record on Sunday morning (AEDT).

Fabien Galthié’s squad needed just a win in the chilly conditions at Stade de France to claim their first title since 2022. The bonus-point victory allowed Les Tricolores to finish with one point ahead of England, who had earlier crushed Wales 68-14 with 10 tries to their name.

By scoring four tries against the Scots, France set a tournament record of 30 tries, surpassing England’s previous record of 29 set in 2001.

The final score line reflects a more comfortable match than the competitive first half.

France struggled with discipline at times, leading to two sin-bins, one of which could have warranted a red card for a reckless headbutt, and they nearly conceded a try just before halftime.

Scotland commenced the second half just behind at 16-13 and had a numerical advantage for a few minutes, yet could manage only a penalty from flyhalf Finn Russell throughout the entire half.

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The tide turned following an ill-advised play by Russell, who attempted a no-look pass from the back of his hand, leading to a counter-attack try in the 43rd minute.

Lightning-fast flyhalf Romain Ntamack sent Louis Bielle-Biarrey racing into the left corner for his eighth try of the tournament. He matched the records set by England’s Cyril Lowe in 1914 and Scotland’s Ian Smith in 1925, both established when the tournament was known as the Five Nations.

France gained the upper hand as Thomas Ramos converted his own try just before the hour mark.

Ramos accumulated 20 points in the match, bringing his total to 450 and overtaking Frédéric Michalak (436) as France’s all-time leading scorer.

Now unburdened by pressure, Gaël Fickou set up his midfield partner Yoram Moefana for a second try, clinching the game at 35-16 and igniting the celebrations.

Meanwhile, in the other encounter, Ireland narrowly defeated a valiant Italian side, winning 22-17.