France crossed the try line 11 times to defeat Scotland 69-28, securing a bonus-point victory that sets up a decisive final match against England for the Women’s Six Nations title.
Tries from Manae Feleu, Carla Arbez, Siobhan Soqeta, and a double from Lea Champon gave France a commanding 31-14 lead by halftime. Rachel Philipps scored twice for the home side, offering the Scottish fans moments of celebration.
After the break, Pauline Barrat extended the visitors’ advantage, Soqeta added her second try, and further scores from Alexandra Chambon, Lea Murie, Annaelle Deshayes, and Ambre Mwayembe sealed a dominant French victory. Scotland responded with second-half tries from Emily Coubrough and Aicha Sutcliffe to claim a four-try bonus point in defeat.
Scotland will travel to face Ireland in Dublin next Sunday, while France host defending champions England in the tournament decider in Bordeaux later that day.
Scotland’s defense struggled from the start, spilling the ball immediately after kick-off, and France capitalized when Feleu touched down with barely 50 seconds gone. The home side survived another period of pressure with a turnover on their own line, allowing Rhona Lloyd to break free and advance up the pitch.
From there, Scotland built momentum and Philipps powered over the line on her first Test start, with Helen Nelson converting to put Scotland ahead. Despite France being reduced to 14 players after Feleu’s sin-bin, the lead lasted only two minutes as Arbez cleverly kicked over the defense and gathered to score under the posts.
France’s power began to show as Soqeta blasted over from close range to make it 19-7. After a competitive first half-hour, Scotland’s defense grew ragged, and Champon broke through for France’s fourth try to secure the bonus point.
Philipps continued to impress in the absence of the injured Emma Orr, cutting a superb line for her second try. However, right before halftime, Champon struck again with her second try, leaving Scotland reeling.
France started the second half similarly ruthlessly, with neat passing sending full-back Barrat over in the corner. Scotland defended their line tenaciously, but Soqeta eventually broke through for her second try, France’s seventh. As Scotland tired, gaps emerged, and substitute Chambon peeled off a maul to score and bring up 50 points.
Murie then raced away for a brilliant individual try. On a rare incursion into French territory, substitute Coubrough forced her way over for Scotland’s third try, but Deshayes quickly replied. Substitute Sutcliffe marked her international debut with a try to ensure Scotland took something from the game, but Mwayembe had the final say as France completed a dominant four-from-four start to the tournament.
