Scotland v France highlights: Six Nations score and updates as visitors hold on to win in thrilling end

Scotland suffered a dramatic 20-16 defeat to France as the second weekend of the Six Nations kicked off in style in Edinburgh.

Gregor Townsend’s side just about survived a scintillating Welsh comeback to secure a first win in Cardiff in 22 years in round one but endured similarly dramatic heartbreak a week later.

Louis Bialle-Biarrey’s stunning 70th-minute solo try – as he collected his own chip over the top to dot down – had put France one point ahead and they added a penalty to extend the lead to four before Scotland drove for the match-winning try as the clock seeped into the red. They burrowed their way over the line from close range but, after a long TMO review, it was determined they had been held up, with insufficient evidence to overturn the on-field call of no-try and Les Bleus clung on.

Scotland had led for most of the match due to Ben White’s early try but Gael Fickou scored for Les Bleus and kickers Thomas Ramos and Finn Russell traded penalties before the late drama.

Relive live coverage of Scotland vs France in today’s live blog:

Scotland vs France LIVE: Latest Six Nations updates

• Scotland narrowly lose to France 20-16 at Murrayfield as Six Nations continues

• Scotland cross the try-line with the last play but long TMO review says no try

• FULL-TIME! Scotland 16-20 France

• 80’ - NO TRY! Scotland held up over the line on the final play after long TMO review (SCO 16-20 FRA)

• 70’ - TRY! Bille-Biarrey collects his own chip over the top to score vital try (SCO 16-17 FRA)

• 50’ - INJURY! France captain Alldritt stretchered off with apparent knee injury (SCO 13-10 FRA)

• 32’ TRY! Fickou finishes well in the corner (SCO 13-10 FRA)

• 8’ - TRY! White finishes off stunning team try (SCO 7-0 FRA)

Late drama denies Scotland as France emerge victorious at Murrayfield

16:33 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Louis Bielle-Biarrey’s late try proved pivotal as France dug out a dramatic 20-16 Guinness Six Nations victory over Scotland at Murrayfield – but only after a controversial decision not to award the hosts a try in the last action of the match.

Les Bleus – who lost 38-17 at home to Ireland in their opener last weekend – looked in danger of starting the championship with back-to-back defeats as they trailed for most of the match after Ben White’s seventh-minute try.

However, Bielle-Biarrey’s moment of inspiration in the 70th minute allowed the French – who had scored in the first half through Gael Fickou – to get themselves in front.

The Scots – looking to make it back-to-back wins after their triumph in Wales last weekend – staged a late rally and thought they had claimed the victory when they forced their way over the line after the 80-minute mark, but following a lengthy TMO review, it was deemed they had not grounded the ball.

Late drama denies Scotland as France emerge victorious at Murrayfield

On we go...

16:38 , Harry Latham-Coyle

We’ll have a load more reaction and analysis from Scotland’s defeat to France this evening and over the next few days, but there’s no time to draw breath - the next helping of Six Nations action is imminent, with the players just emerging at Twickenham as the rivalry between England and Wales is reignited. Luke Baker will be your guide throughout that one - you can join him here:

England v Wales LIVE: Six Nations 2024 latest updates from Twickenham

Scotland co-captain Finn Russell on Scotland’s defeat

16:23 , Harry Latham-Coyle

“I think it was a tough second half, the whole game was an arm-wrestle. Personally, I believe that was a try at the end. We’ve got to take this defeat on the chin and get better for England. We can’t let the referee decide who wins, we’ve got to get better.

“The way we got back into the game and that, I believe, we scored shows the character we’ve got. I think we’ll chill out tonight and take it easy next week. We need a bit of time away from rugby, it’s an intense competition, and come back for that England game ready for the challenge.”

Former Wales captain Sam Warburton has his say on the decision

16:21 , Harry Latham-Coyle

“To be fair, I think that is a try,” Warburton says on the BBC. “I am 95% sure that is a try, but can we say that is 100% a try?

“We couldn’t, so we have to stick with Nic Berry’s on-field decision.”

France cling on for victory against Scotland after controversial last-minute TMO decision

16:18 , Harry Latham-Coyle

You have to say that, given the TMO process, the right decision was reached there. Nic Berry had not seen a grounding on the field, which meant Brian MacNeice had to see conclusive evidence that a try was scored. The experienced Irish TMO did not; the no try decision stood.

FT: Scotland 16-20 France

16:16 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The Scottish players are distraught. They were certain victory was theirs - the ball looked to be on the floor and over the line, but there was no single angle that showed both factors as true. France survive.

FT! Scotland 16-20 France

16:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Good god. It appeared that Brian MacNeice was leaning towards awarding that, with referee Nic Berry ready to raise his arm and give Scotland victory. But one last review of the footage and MacNeice felt he just couldn’t be sure - Scotland fall agonisingly short and France, by the barest of margins, cling on!

FULL TIME! SCOTLAND 16-20 FRANCE

16:13 , Harry Latham-Coyle

NO TRY! Scotland 16-20 France, 81 minutes

16:12 , Harry Latham-Coyle

“I cannot say for certain.” Brian MacNeice concludes - NO TRY!

Scotland 16-20 France, 82 minutes

16:10 , Harry Latham-Coyle

How can you rule on this? It looks like the ball might be on the floor, but can you conclusively say it is grounded?

Scotland 16-20 France, 81 minutes

16:09 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The on-field decision is no try. We have to see conclusive evidence of a score...my oh my this is close!

Scotland 16-20 France, 80 minutes

16:08 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Here they come, throwing everything and the French defence. Duhan van der Merwe’s in there, powering into a thicket. “Short”, Nic Berry cries. This time? Scotland celebrate...HELD UP!

Or is he? Nic Berry sends it upstairs for a look. Over to you, Brian MacNeice, with the clock dead...

Scotland 16-20 France, 80 minutes

16:07 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Stable at the set-piece. Nolann le Garrec finds Yoram Moefana, who carries well...but Finn Russell has it! The ball popped free and the fly half was somehow onto it. One last assault!

Scotland 16-20 France, 79 minutes

16:06 , Harry Latham-Coyle

So near but so far! Almost one of the great Six Nations tries from Kyle Rowe, jinking and jiving between four defenders and then bamboozling the last defender with his footwork. France somehow get back to him, and Rowe fumbles on the floor! He’s distraught - it looked like he might have an angle on Thomas Ramos to get to the corner, but his twists and turns had slowed him up and Matthieu Jalibert got back to make a vital tackle!

Wow. Little more than a minute to play. France’s scrum ten metres from their own line. They can’t afford to play phases, surely?

Scotland 16-20 France, 78 minutes

16:05 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Scotland win back the restart! It’s not clean possession but it is their ball, Finn Russell directing traffic and trying to get his vehicles moving. One mistake could end it.

PENALTY! Scotland 16-20 FRANCE (Thomas Ramos penalty, 77 minutes)

16:04 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Thomas Ramos puts France four in front. Three minutes to play.

Scotland 16-17 France, 76 minutes

16:02 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Julien Marchand finds his man this time and to the maul France go, Posolo Tuilagi lending his considerable weight as France rumble forth. There’s a penalty coming.

Could there be more? Wide to the left, a dribble through...into touch with Louis Bielle-Biarrey in close attention. But the penalty is eminently kickable - and Scotland won’t have long after it goes over.

Scotland 16-17 France, 76 minutes

16:01 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Scottish ball...or not! A hand on the arm at the lineout and it is France’s penalty. Scott Cummings the guilty party, unable to resist a tug at Charles Ollivon’s hoisted limb.

Scotland 16-17 France, 74 minutes

16:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

No urgency yet for Scotland, happy to engage in the kicking battle. Finn Russell punts to touch. France’s lineout just inside their own half.

Scotland 16-17 France, 72 minutes

15:59 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Blimey. France really haven’t clicked at all today but are nine minutes from victory. This is a huge test of Scotland’s mentality - they rediscovered their steel when they needed it late on last week, but this time they’ll have to find a score.

TRY! Scotland 16-17 FRANCE (Louis Bielle-Biarrey try, 71 minutes)

15:56 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Magnifique!

Sumptuous from Louis Bielle-Biarrey! What a talent this young wing wonder is!

Nolann Le Garrec deserves some credit for a fabulous flat pass to put Bielle-Biarrey on the outside, but it’s all about the finish from the wing. He gathers and eats up the ground, tightroping the touchline and then dropping on to his toe, judging his chip and chase perfectly. Harry Paterson is helpless as Bielle-Biarrey accelerates away, grounding from his knees and putting France within kicking distance of the lead.

Can Thomas Ramos take it from the tee? He can - France go in front!

Scotland 16-10 France, 69 minutes

15:55 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Damian Penaud covers as Finn Russell chips, an apparent forward fumble ruled sideways by the officials. Back into a kicking exchange, each side attempting to drag the other out of shape.

France end it with an attacking adventure, Yoram Moefana offloading to no-one in particular but Grant Gilchrist’s hurried flick between the legs not the steadying act required for Scotland. Finn Russell thumps the loose ball into Pierre Schoeman’s paunch - accidental offside, France’s scrum.

Scotland 16-10 France, 67 minutes

15:53 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A loose pass skids towards Duhan van der Merwe with Gael Fickou riding the slip-and-slide after it, a strange taking of man-and-ball from the centre as he uproots the big Scotland wing. Fickou is penalised, perhaps for the hands on the floor he seemed to use to secure the ball after Van der Merwe came to deck.

Scotland advance up the left touchline.

Scotland 16-10 France, 65 minutes

15:51 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Into a period of kick tennis, Harry Paterson heavily involved before his co-captain Russell settles things down, catching and pausing to not allow the waiting French defensive line to advance. He eventually kicks to touch...and France throw it quickly.

Scotland 16-10 France, 64 minutes

15:50 , Harry Latham-Coyle

That’s not Finn Russell’s best - the goalline drop out lands in his hands and he launches for goal, the drop kick of appropriate oomph but misdirected.

Scotland 16-10 France, 63 minutes

15:49 , Harry Latham-Coyle

So nearly a 50:22 from Finn Russell, a timely sidewards hop saving Matthieu Jalibert from a fruitless pursuit and allowing him a more leisurely grounding in-goal.

Yoram Moefana is introduced to try and spark France into life.

Scotland 16-10 France, 61 minutes

15:47 , Harry Latham-Coyle

What can France produce in this final 20 minutes? You feel like they need Matthieu Jalibert to take hold of the contest, with a young nine inside him and the visiting attack yet to really click today.

PENALTY! SCOTLAND 16-10 France (Finn Russell penalty, 58 minutes)

15:44 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Finn Russell has three more points.

Scotland 13-10 France, 56 minutes

15:43 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The Scottish scrum gets on top, too - penalty advantage with which to work. Harry Patterson and Duhan van der Merwe do some wide wandering, and then it’s over to Finn Russell to pull the strings, picking his runners, searching for space. Huw Jones skips by one tackler but not the second...and with Scotland in retreat, Nic Berry’s whistle brings everyone to a halt.

Finn Russell will look to extend Scotland’s advantage.

Scotland 13-10 France, 52 minutes

15:41 , Harry Latham-Coyle

And Murrayfield roars as back-to-back French knock-ons allow their side to advance into the France half. The French coaching box throw their hands about in frustration - those are handling errors eight and nine of the day for the visitors, now absent their captain.

Scotland 13-10 France, 52 minutes

15:39 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Great work from Harry Paterson! Damian Penaud prods ahead and sets off in pursuit, joined by Louis Bielle-Biarrey. The wing pair pincer Paterson but the full-back cannily stays on the floor, allowing support to arrive and Scotland, eventually, to clear from inside their own in-goal area. Superb from the debutant to extricate his side from a tough spot.

Scotland 13-10 France, 50 minutes

15:37 , Harry Latham-Coyle

That’s just horrible to see. Alldritt is able to hobble over to the vehicle that will transport him down the tunnel, but that knee injury looks a severe one.

Can France fight back without their captain? They’ll throw a lineout just inside the Scottish half.

Scotland 13-10 France, 50 minutes

15:35 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Poor Gregory Alldritt. Paul Boudehent replaces his stricken skipper, and Nolann Le Garrec is on at scrum half, too, as the French squad wait for Alldritt to be removed. A protective, inflatable brace is immediately placed on the number eight’s left leg - that, sadly, could well end his tournament. Brutal.

Scotland 13-10 France, 50 minutes

15:33 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A bit of a worry for France as Gregory Alldritt grasps at a knee having locked over the top of a ruck and be clattered by three Scots in succession. A worry indeed - the stretcher and a cart are coming out for the French captain. This is a massive blow!

Scotland 13-10 France, 49 minutes

15:31 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Try? Not quite! the ball spills free from a ruck after Sione Tuipulotu’s forthright carry, and Ben White is sharp to it, racing after a toe ahead. Damian Penaud is just about fleet enough of foot to beat him to it...and after a bit of debate among the officials, it’ll be a goalline dropout rather than a five-metre scrum.

Scotland 13-10 France, 48 minutes

15:29 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Matthieu Jalibert shakes his head - that was curious from the France ten, taking far too long to retreat underneath a high bomb and thus off-balance as he tries to claim it. A knock on grants Scotland a scrum on the fringes of the French 22 - though the visitors will be significantly meatier for it with the double punch of Uini Atonio’s return from the sin bin and the arrival of Posolo Tuilagi in the second row.

Who is Posolo Tuilagi? Manu’s massive nephew set to make France debut in Six Nations

Scotland 13-10 France, 46 minutes

15:26 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A slightly bitty start to the half with an increasingly greasy ball posing problems. Thomas Ramos settles beneath a Finn Russell punt inside the safety of his own 22, marking it and thunping long. Russell tumbles over an advertising hoarding, rising with a chuckle with no harm done.

Scotland 13-10 France, 44 minutes

15:23 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Mauvaka can’t find his jumper, though. Scotland come forward and Finn Russell chips, Thomas Ramos sweeping across and improvising a clearance of the bouncing ball with his left boot. Ramos was a handy footballer in his youth, though that was rather more centre half than midfield playmaker.

Scotland knock on as they try to rumble back. Scott Cummings the spiller.

Scotland 13-10 France, 43 minutes

15:22 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Matt Fagerson is the man replaced by Christie, who has been in otustanding form for Saracens.

Thomas Ramos is again in bother over by the touchine, this time clawing away an offload to avoid a Scottish lineout, the ball’s ricochet into touch off a Scottish body ensuring it will be Peato Mauvaka’s throw.

Scotland 13-10 France, 41 minutes

15:21 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Thomas Ramos is bundled towards the touchline, doing well to get himself to floor and avoid being driven out. Fance play a couple more phases and then go to the air, Gael Fickou tapping back in front of a leaping Harry Paterson.

Andy Christie is on in the Scottish back row and produces a superb snaffle at the breakdown.

KICK-OFF! Scotland 13-10 France

15:20 , Luke Baker

And we’re back under way in Edinburgh. A crucial second half coming up for both sides - this game could go either way. France still down to 14 men for the first seven minutes of the second half with Uini Atonio’s sin-bin, remember.

Why was Uini Atonio only given a yellow card?

15:19 , Luke Baker

Plenty of talking points from that first half with a big one right at the end as France prop Uini Atonio was sin-binned for a no-arms hit close to the line. The TMO Bunker reviewed the hit and determined that it would say as a yellow card rather than being upgraded to red.

The referee (and the bunker) has to go through a four-step process (detailed below) to determine the extent of the foul play and the sanction. The four steps are:

1. Has head contact occurred?

2. Was there any foul play?

3. What was the degree of danger?

4. Is there any mitigation?

A no-arms tackle is an always-illegal act, leading to a red card if there’s head contact. In this instance, the bunker either determined that there was a low degree of danger in Atonio’s hit and he tried to wrap his arms (ensuring it wasn’t a no-arms hit) or that it was a no-arms hit but there wasn’t clear head contact

Half-time! Scotland 13-10 France

15:09 , Luke Baker

A fascinating first 40 minutes in Edinburgh as Scotland hold a narrow lead but France are still right in this.

HALF TIME: SCOTLAND 13-10 FRANCE

15:06 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Scotland 13-10 France, 40 minutes

15:05 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Penalty France! Cyril Baille leaps to his feet in delight having forced Zander Fagerson to floor. France survive.

And more good news for the visitors - Uini Atonio’s yellow card stands. He’ll be back with us reasonably soon after the interval, and France punt to touch to send us down the tunnel.

Scotland 13-10 France, 39 minutes

15:03 , Harry Latham-Coyle

They will. Five out, virtually dead centre. A try before half-time would be huge.

Scotland 13-10 France, 39 minutes

15:02 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Atonio slopes off; replacement tighthead Dorian Aldegheri trudges on with Scotland calling for a scrum. France sacrifice another forward and the Scottish front row draw a penalty. Will they scrum again?

YELLOW CARD! Uini Atonio is sent to the sin bin! Scotland 13-10 France, 38 minutes

15:01 , Harry Latham-Coyle

France are in bother here. Another penalty, this time for a rather nasty no-arms hit from Uini Atonio a metre short of the line.

And Nic Berry goes to his pocket! That’s not great at all from Atonio, whose off to the bin for ten minutes at least with the incident referred to the bunker.

Scotland 13-10 France, 37 minutes

14:58 , Harry Latham-Coyle

French hands pilfer Scottish ruck ball, but they can’t retain it, allowing the hosts back in. The Murrayfield crowd rises in expectation, and there’s a penalty to come back to when the home side stall.

Tapped off the floor - here come Scotland...

Scotland 13-10 France, 35 minutes

14:57 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Some amateur acrobatics from Finn Russell, forced off his feet by a shallow Sione Tuipulotu pull-back pass but still managing to force on the next transfer. But Scotland can’t build too much further.

Neither, though, do France make much of turnover ball. Scotland back on the attack.

Scotland 13-10 France, 34 minutes

14:55 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The latest Scottish high hoist is knocked on. Ben White will feed five metres short of the French 22.

TRY! Scotland 13-10 FRANCE (Gael Fickou try, 32 minutes)

14:51 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Promising indeed!

A fluent, forceful attack from France, working through the phases until the space appears. It comes out on the right, where Gael Fickou has great open expanses of green grass to run into - he may have the pace of his youth but the centre still has more than enough toe to get there.

Thomas Ramos converts superbly from out wide.

Scotland 13-3 France, 31 minutes

14:51 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Scotland struggle to gather the restart, allowing France a chance inside their 22. Maxime Lucu lifts the tempo, bringing a phalanx of forwards on to the ball. Looks promising, this...

PENALTY! SCOTLAND 13-3 France (Finn Russell penalty, 30 minutes)

14:50 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Russell bisects them. Scotland extend their lead.

Scotland 10-3 France, 29 minutes

14:49 , Harry Latham-Coyle

George Turner is back with us, clear of his head injury assessment and permitted to return.

Another midfield misfire from Scotland looks to have sent Damian Penaud haring after a hack ahead, but the French backline were offside from the original lineout. This should be three more from Finn Russell’s right peg.

Scotland 10-3 France, 27 minutes

14:48 , Harry Latham-Coyle

That’s delightful, too, from the magic man, turning Louis Bielle-Biarrey and pitching his punt perfectly to find the corner. Pressure on Peato Mauvaka’s throw...which just about finds French hands.

Scotland 10-3 France, 26 minutes

14:46 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Another good clearance from Scotland, this time from Finn Russell’s right boot, which was also in excellent working order last week.

Here’s that opening Scottish score.

Scotland 10-3 France, 25 minutes

14:44 , Harry Latham-Coyle

France play left and then to the right, space appearing and then closing quickly with Steve Tandy’s defensive system nicely formed. A couple of heavy Scottish carries knock France back further.

Damian Penaud comes off his wing in search of a touch, meandering slightly, as is his wont. But a chop tackle brings him down to earth, and a fumble on the floor ends the movement. Staunch stuff from the hosts.

Scotland 10-3 France, 22 minutes

14:43 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A clvever little chip from Matthieu Jalibert almost bounces kindly for the French fly half, with Finn Russell just about there in time to prevent Jalibert cantering under the posts. Russell’s fumble means a French feed at the scrum, though. Ideal attacking position, this.

PENALTY! SCOTLAND 10-3 France (Finn Russell penalty, 21 minutes)

14:40 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Simple as you like for Finn Russell.

Scotland 7-3 France, 19 minutes

14:40 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Strong maul defence from France, hoisting the ramparts to stall the Scottish charge. That’s good, though, from Ewan Ashman, who does pack a punch in teh carry.

Five short, and now three as two more carriers make ground. Kapow! Ben White is flattened by a pair of French forwards, a slimmer scrum half meeting two men of much more mass.

France are penalised again, though - offside this time. Finn Russell flicks a finger towards the posts.

Scotland 7-3 France, 18 minutes

14:38 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Ewan Ashman hits his first lineout throw and gets an immediate chance at a second, Thomas Ramos fumbling into touch.

Can Scotland create something from about 30 metres out? The attack is a little aimless but Gael Fickou infringes at the breakdown.

What’s the call? Finn Russell fancies the corner.

Scotland 7-3 France, 16 minutes

14:37 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Well well well. If it was legal, as it has been ruled, that was an outstanding intervention from Van der Merwe to deny Louis Bielle-Biarrey the simplest of scores. Maxime Lucu looked to have flicked perfectly for the wing.

On we go, with Scotland readying a change. Ewan Ashman is on, George Turner is off, seemingly for an HIA - it appears that his smart gumshield has picked up a heavy head impact that may indicate a concussion. The hooker looks curiously at his protective mouthguard.

Scotland 7-3 France, 15 minutes

14:35 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Now then! Gael Fickou bursts Scotland wide open, a straight line up the centre piercing the defensive line. He’s hauled down a metre short...intercepted! Duhan van der Merwe gets a hand out to save a certain score, kicking upfield - but was he offside?

No, the officials conclude! Wow! It looked like Van der Merwe never re-established himself, but TMO Brian MacNeice is happy, and referee Nic Berry orders France to take the lineout on halfway.

Scotland 7-3 France, 13 minutes

14:33 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Both Maxime Lucu and Ben White are boxing well here, getting impressive amplitude on their clearances to relieve pressure.

Scotland play from halfway after Lucu’s latest hoist, an ill-advised offload coming somewhat fortunately off of a head and back into Scottish hands. It’s all a bit fast and loose, though, and France soon pinch breakdown ball.

A grubber is collected in the Scottish backfield, but that’s pretty inaccurate from Huw Jones - a simple pass to George Turner is about three yards too far in front of the hooker. Into touch it skips.

PENALTY! Scotland 7-3 FRANCE (Thomas Ramos penalty, 12 minutes)

14:31 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Thomas Ramos knocks through the three. France are on the board.

Scotland 7-0 France, 10 minutes

14:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle

With penalty advantage, France play on, but they run out of numbers on the left and Scotland hold firm. Back for the penalty, and on comes the tee.

Scotland 7-0 France, 9 minutes

14:29 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Shaun Edwards won’t be happy with that French defensive start. That was all a little easy for Scotland to get to the edge.

But this is brighter for the visitors, Thomas Ramos cutting through a couple of tackles on the counter. France build into the Scottish 22.

TRY! SCOTLAND 7-0 France (Ben White try, 8 minutes)

14:26 , Harry Latham-Coyle

There is!

A sparkling score from Scotland. France are short of numbers on the left edge and Duhan van der Merwe provides the required linking hands to exploit it, putting it in the hands of young Harry Paterson. The new full-back strides impressively away from the chasing defence, and finds an infield offload for Ben White.

White is tackled five metres short but his momentum and a greasy surface do the rest. Finn Russell converts.

Scotland 0-0 France, 7 minutes

14:26 , Harry Latham-Coyle

This kick-heavy opening continues, France claiming nicely on halfway but not even chancing more than one ruck. Scotland have more adventure as they turn the ball over...and is there space on the right?

Scotland 0-0 France, 6 minutes

14:24 , Harry Latham-Coyle

That looks a sore one for Jones, who ended up in a bit of a squeeze between Jonathan Danty and Gael Fickou. He lumbers back to join his teammates, attempting to jog it off. One to monitor.

Scotland 0-0 France, 6 minutes

14:24 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Attacking ball for the hosts, then, the lineout taken virtually on the French 22 and the ball tossed out into midfield. Scotland’s carriers rather get themselves in a muddle, though - knocked on by co-captain Darge and France tonk long to flip the field. A fine kick from Maxime Lucu.

Huw Jones appears to have hurt himself. The medics rush on to attend to the centre’s lower leg.

Scotland 0-0 France, 4 minutes

14:22 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Turnover, French ball, and wide they spread it, Kyle Rowe shooting up impressively to prevent Gael Fickou freeing the arms. And that’s excellent defence, in the end, Rory Darge limpeting over the top and winning a turnover penalty. Smart work from Scotland in transition given how dangerous France can be from that sort of situation.

Scotland 0-0 France, 3 minutes

14:20 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A first lineout throw from George Turner is on the money, and Finn Russell punts first phase possession, with both teams happy to put the ball in the air. Damian Penaud returns neatly, angling towards the touchline and finding it about five metres short of the Scottish 22 on the hop.

Scotland 0-0 France, 1 minute

14:19 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Maxime Lucu goes to the boot immediately, Harry Paterson slightly misjudging the flight but taking competently enough. He gets a bit of a plastering, though.

Scotland also go to the air swiftly; over-cooked and marked. France clear long.

KICK OFF!

14:18 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A Nic Berry blast on the whistle and we are up and running in Edinburgh.

Scotland v France

14:17 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A final word to their team from Finn Russell and Rory Darge, leading together for the first time of course. Gregory Alldritt, who has a bit of Scottish heritage himself, gives France a gee-up.

Round two of the Six Nations is upon us.

Anthems

14:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It’s not quite as punchy a rendition as last week on the Cote d’Azur, but “La Marseillaise” is spritely enough, bolstered by plenty of French travellers who have made their way into Murrayfield.

The piper on the roof sends us in to “Flower of Scotland”, with an ambitious Tifo-style effort in one stand. It looks rather nice.

Right, time for action. This should be a lot of fun.

Scotland v France

14:09 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Princess Anne is out and about as Scottish Rugby’s royal representation, casting her eye over the Auld Alliance Trophy as the bagpipers play.

Scotland v France

14:07 , Harry Latham-Coyle

I say dry - the rain has just started to fall as the players come out onto a lush green surface. Damian Penaud puffs out his cheeks as he bounces around, readying himself for the anthems.

Scotland v France

14:05 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The atmosphere is bubbling away nicely at Murrayfield. Chilly and dry - it could be a good day for some running rugby.

Scotland v France

13:59 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Kick off creeping ever closer in Edinburgh. You’d imagine France will be desperate for a fast start after a flat opening showing last week. Can Scotland ride the early punches?

Why Scotland’s Cardiff collapse was a blessing in disguise

13:54 , Luke Baker

If not now, when? That seems to have been the question following the Scotland rugby team around for the last half-decade or so as a talented squad looks to finally mount a genuine Six Nations title challenge for the very first time.

Despite having never finished in the top two since the Five Nations became Six a quarter of a century ago, the recent vintage under Gregor Townsend have felt on the brink of doing something special. These are no longer the dark old days of the late Noughties and early 2010s when Scotland would invariably scrap it out for the wooden spoon with Italy year after year. Recently, they often win their first game or two (one of those normally against England) to raise hopes, only to falter and be out of the running by the time Super Saturday rolls around.

Every February, it feels like this could or even should be Scotland’s year and this month has been no different. They’re the one team with continuity – Italy have a new coach, while the other four opponents have lost either their talismanic fly half or otherworldly scrum half since the World Cup. But Scotland... Townsend and his coaching staff remain in place, the magical Finn Russell is still pulling the strings from No 10, Duhan van der Merwe continues to run in tries for fun... if not now, when?

Why Scotland’s Cardiff collapse was a blessing in disguise

Posolo Tuilagi set for a second international involvement

13:47 , Harry Latham-Coyle

We only got fleeting glimpses of Posolo Tuilagi’s teenage talent on his international debut last Friday, but that a 19-year-old lock did not at all look out of place says a lot about the potential he possesses. Uncle Manu was in Marseille watching on - here’s a bit more about the latest product from a famous rugby family.

Who is Posolo Tuilagi? Manu’s massive nephew set to make France debut in Six Nations

Scotland vs France match officials

13:42 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Australia’s Nic Berry has the whistle this afternoon, with compatriot Jordan Way and Georgia’s Nika Amashukeli on the touchlines as his assistants. Brian MacNeice is in the TMO truck, while the bunker system is again in place, as it will be throughout this Six Nations. Need a refresher on how the foul play process now works? Here’s our handy guide:

What is the TMO Bunker and how will the foul play process work in the Six Nations?

Grant Gilchrist hopeful Cardiff scare serves Scotland well

13:36 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Grant Gilchrist believes Scotland’s bitter-sweet Guinness Six Nations victory over Wales has left them in the perfect frame of mind for France today.

The Scots pulled off their first triumph in Cardiff for 22 years last weekend after clinging on to win 27-26.

However, the satisfaction of beating the Welsh on their own patch was tinged with a sense of deflation in the Scottish camp afterwards because they completely lost their way in the second half, missed out on the chance of a bonus point, and almost succumbed to what would have been the biggest comeback in Six Nations history.

Lock Gilchrist was suspended for the Cardiff clash and admitted he was “panicking” while watching it unfold on television.

However, the veteran second-rower feels it should be viewed in a positive light that his team kicked off the tournament with an away win yet still have so much scope for improvement.

“Winning at this level is tough,” he said. “And I don’t think that it’s a bad thing that we’re ambitious enough to want to put a complete performance out there.

“When you sit back and think that we’ve won in Cardiff for the first time in 22 years – that’s a big achievement. But we’re also not going to sit there and celebrate that as the perfect performance as we know we can be so much better.

“We showed that for 50 minutes with how in control we were. When you win a Test match you should always feel a sense of satisfaction and enjoyment because the amount of work that goes into that is huge and should never be underestimated.

“No matter what the scoreline is or what happened in the game – to get across the line in a Test match is huge.

“To win in the first game of the Six Nations is massive as you need to keep trying to build momentum throughout the tournament and winning ensures you can still do that.

“But having that little slant of disappointment is also no bad thing. It brought us in on Monday eager to learn how to get better in the second half and put a full performance together rather than coming in talking about staying grounded or any of these things.

“I feel it’s not a bad place to be, to feel a little bit disappointed despite winning in Cardiff for the first time in 22 years.”

Scotland v France: A debut for Harry Paterson

13:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It feels somewhat fitting for a full-back named Paterson to be back in the Scottish 15 shirt, with Harry whistled in late with Kyle Steyn rightly attending to other business. This will be a huge test for the 22-year-old, who hasn’t played a whole lot of high level rugby and won’t necessarily have been expecting this opportunity. France are sure to plenty of high balls up on his head - can Paterson handle the heat?

Team news - France

13:22 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Despite a heavy defeat to Ireland in Marseille, Fabien Galthie has made minimal changes to his France side, instead giving those beaten in the opener the chance to atone. One enforced switch comes in the second row, with Cameron Woki the beneficiary of Paul Willemse’s ban, while Louis Bielle-Biarrey is preferred to Yoram Moefana on the left wing.

Back row Alexandre Roumat will make his debut from the bench, with Posolo Tuilagi also retained in a six forwards to two backs split once more favoured by Galthie. Romain Taofifenua’s infected leg again rules him out, but brother Sebastien takes over from Reda Wardi, who has broken his arm, as the loosehead cover.

France XV: 1 Cyril Baille, 2 Peato Mauvaka, 3 Uini Atonio; 4 Cameron Woki, 5 Paul Gabrillagues; 6 Francois Cros, 7 Charles Ollivon, 8 Gregory Alldritt; 9 Maxime Lucu, 10 Matthieu Jalibert; 11 Louis Bielle-Biarrey, 12 Jonathan Danty, 13 Gael Fickou, 14 Damian Penaud; 15 Thomas Ramos.

Replacements: 16 Julien Marchand, 17 Sebastien Taofifenua, 18 Dorian Aldegheri, 19 Posolo Tuilagi, 20 Alexandre Roumat, 21 Paul Boudehent; 22 Nolann Le Garrec, 23 Yoram Moefana.

Team news - Scotland

13:18 , Harry Latham-Coyle

News of a late switch for Scotland: Kyle Steyn is out with the arrival of a child imminent, which means a surprise debut for Harry Paterson in the back three. Kyle Rowe switches to the wing.

Up front, Gregor Townsend is able to welcome back a couple of key forwards to his starting line-up, with co-captain Rory Darge returning on the openside and Grant Gilchrist in alongside Scott Cummings in the second row. That compensates for the loss of Richie Gray and Luke Crosbie, who are out of the championship due to injury, while Jamie Ritchie also drops out.

The backline is as it was against Wales with Blair Kinghorn not yet fit to return, while Andy Christie makes the bench after a fine season at Saracens.

Scotland XV: 1 Pierre Schoeman, 2 George Turner, 3 Zander Fagerson; 4 Grant Gilchrist, 5 Scott Cummings; 6 Matt Fagerson, 7 Rory Darge (co-capt.), 8 Jack Dempsey; 9 Ben White, 10 Finn Russell; 11 Duhan van der Merwe, 12 Sione Tuipulotu, 13 Huw Jones, 14 Kyle Rowe; 15 Harry Paterson.

Replacements: 16 Ewan Ashman, 17 Alec Hepburn, 18 Elliot Millar-Mills, 19 Sam Skinner, 20 Andy Christie; 21 George Horne, 22 Ben Healy, 23 Cameron Redpath.

Scotland v France

13:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Right, with kick off little more than an hour away, it’s about time we took a closer look at our combatants this afternoon. Let’s start with the hosts...

Why Scotland’s Cardiff collapse was a blessing in disguise for their Six Nations hopes

13:10 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It was a real curate’s egg of a contest in Cardiff, with Scotland walking away with a first win in the city for 22 years and yet still feeling strangely deflated after almost contriving to throw away a 27-point lead. But, Luke Baker argues, an almighty scare might have been exactly what Gregor Townsend’s men needed.

Why Scotland’s Cardiff collapse was a blessing in disguise

Jamie Ritchie still has part to play in Scotland’s Six Nations – Gregor Townsend

13:02 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend assured Jamie Ritchie he still had a part to play in the Six Nations after the recently-deposed captain was omitted from the 23-man squad for today’s round two clash.

The 27-year-old Edinburgh flanker was informed last month that he would not be continuing as skipper due to no longer being guaranteed a place in the back-row amid intense competition for places, with Rory Darge and Finn Russell taking over as co-captains.

Ritchie started last weekend’s 27-26 victory away to Wales but he is the only player to have dropped out of the team for this weekend’s match, apart from Luke Crosbie and Richie Gray, who both sustained tournament-ending injuries in Cardiff.

Jamie Ritchie still has part to play in Scotland’s Six Nations – Gregor Townsend

France given warning after ‘masters’ Ireland expose deeper issues

12:55 , Harry Latham-Coyle

After four years of a unified approach in the build-up to a home World Cup, suddenly there are plenty of questions for France. Was the flat showing against Ireland merely an aberration or a sign of deeper malaise?

France given warning after ‘masters’ Ireland expose deeper issues

Scotland v France talking points: Can wounded, Dupont-less French summon a response?

12:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle

After the deflation of their World Cup quarter-final exit on home soil, France failed to get the positive Six Nations starter they were after when they were destroyed 38-17 at home to Ireland last weekend. In mitigation, they played more than half the match in Marseille with 14 men, but the French arrive in Edinburgh with their backs firmly against the wall and in need of a response. They will have to find a way to conjure it without their influential half-back pairing of Antoine Dupont (who has switched to sevens) and Romain Ntamack (injured).

Kenny Logan says Scotland should be full of confidence ahead of France clash

12:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Kenny Logan is adamant Scotland should go into the encounter with an under-pressure France in bullish mood because they have proved on several occasions they can unsettle Les Bleus on home soil.

The Scots have won five of the last seven meetings between the teams at Murrayfield – and three of the last four Edinburgh clashes in the Six Nations.

Logan, who won 70 caps for Scotland, feels the Scots are perfectly capable of inflicting another defeat on the French, who lost 38-17 at home to Ireland in their Guinness Six Nations opener last Friday.

Kenny Logan says Scotland should be full of confidence ahead of France clash

Scotland vs France

12:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Rory Darge feels “refreshed” and ready to lead Scotland into today’s Six Nations showdown with France after dismissing any concerns about being exposed to such a big match following a six-week injury lay-off.

The 23-year-old flanker has been sidelined since sustaining knee ligament damage while playing for Glasgow against Edinburgh on December 30 but – after being named national team co-captain by Gregor Townsend last month – he has been deemed fit enough to start against Les Bleus at Murrayfield.

Darge played down any notion that his lack of recent game time might be an issue.

“Really good,” he said, when asked at the pre-match captain’s run press conference on Friday how he was feeling.

Rory Darge says he is ready to return and captain Scotland against France

Good afternoon

12:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Scotland welcome France as the second weekend of the Six Nations kicks off in Edinburgh this afternoon.

The hosts are looking to build on a winning start after Gregor Townsend’s side just about survived a scintillating Welsh comeback to secure a first win in Cardiff in 22 years. The manner of Scotland’s win will serve as a wake-up call, however, after they limped over the line having established a 27-point lead at the Principality.

Now Murrayfield will be expectant, but Scotland should perhaps fear a furious French backlash after a flat opening performance in Marseille against Ireland last Friday night. It was a disappointing start from a side that many considered title favourites and followed a crushing World Cup on home soil for France.

The visitors will no doubt be desperate to right the ship and keep their Six Nations title ambitions alive - and both teams know they will have to be perfect from here on in to contend with the Ireland juggernaut.

Follow live coverage of Scotland vs France in today’s live blog

How to watch Scotland v France

11:45 , Luke Baker

When is Scotland vs France?

Scotland vs France is due to kick off at 2.15pm GMT on Saturday 10 February at Murrayfield in Edinburgh.

How can I watch it?

Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on BBC One, with coverage on the channel from 1.15pm GMT. A livestream will be available via the BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport website.

If you’re travelling abroad and want to watch major sporting events, you might need a VPN to unblock your streaming app. Our VPN round-up is here to help and includes deals on VPNs in the market. Viewers using a VPN need to make sure that they comply with any local regulations where they are, and also with the terms of their service provider.

Scotland v France referee: Who is Six Nations official Nic Berry?

11:30 , Luke Baker

Nic Berry is the referee Scotland vs France in round two of the Six Nations.

Berry made his World Cup debut four years ago in Japan, and returned to the officiating panel for the tournament in France.

The Australian took charge of the third/fourth place play-off between England and Argentina on the final weekend of the World Cup, and returns to Six Nations action having assisted Paul Williams in Rome last week.

Scotland v France referee: Who is Six Nations official Nic Berry?

Everything you need to know about Scotland v France

11:18 , Luke Baker

Scotland will be looking to build on an opening weekend win as France travel to Edinburgh.

Gregor Townsend’s side just about survived a scintillating Welsh comeback to secure a first win in Cardiff in 22 years, edging home having established a 27-point lead just after half-time.

The hosts will now perhaps be fearing a furious French backlash after a flat opening performance in Marseille from a side that many considered their title favourites.

It followed a disappointing World Cup on home soil for France, who will no doubt be desperate to right the ship and keep their Six Nations title ambitions alive.

Here’s everything you need to know:

Scotland v France live stream: How to watch Six Nations online and on TV

Click here to read the full blog on The Independent's website