Six Nations: France v Scotland Preview

Both France and Scotland had strong Autumn campaigns, but question marks still remain about their ability to deliver consistent performances. With time running out before the World Cup kicks off, both sides will be desperate to build up some serious momentum and identify their first choice XVs.
 

Both sides have some of the most exciting back lines put out in recent memory, and we’re expecting plenty of tries at the Stade de France this Saturday. The likes of Tommy Seymour, Alex Dunbar, and Tim Visser are all proven try-scorers, whilst Teddy Thomas was a real stand-out for France in the Autumn.

Whilst South Africa import Rory Kockott has been grabbing the headlines, is it the battle between the two massive packs which is likely to matter more come game time. Whilst French stalwarts Nicholas Mas and Louis Picamoles miss out through selection and injury respectively, there is still plenty of power in the French pack, with the likes of Euan Murray, Jonny Gray, and Johnnie Beatie adding similar ballast to the Scottish forwards.

Scotland fans will be hoping that new coach Vern Cotter, making his Six Nations coaching debut on Saturday, will be able to put his experience from coaching Clermont to good use. If anyone has the know-how to out-muscle and out-wit a French side, it’s the New Zealander. For his French counterpart, the pressure is very much on – Saint-Andre has so far failed to lead his side to finish in the top half of the table, and with away trips to England and Ireland, a win on Saturday is essential if France are to have any hope of claiming the title.

Prediction: Scotland have only beaten France once since the Five Nations became Six, and I don’t expect that to change on Saturday. France to win by 7.

France: 15 Scott Spedding, 14 Yoann Huget, 13 Mathieu Bastareaud, 12 Wesley Fofana, 11 Teddy Thomas, 10 Camille Lopez, 9 Rory Kockott, 8 Damien Chouly, 7 Bernard Le Roux, 6 Thierry Dusautoir, 5 Yoann Maestri, 4 Pascal Papé, 3 Rabah Slimani, 2 Guilhem Guirado, 1 Alexandre Menini.

Replacements: 16 Benjamin Kayser, 17 Uini Atonio, 18 Eddy Ben Arous, 19 Romain Taofifenua, 20 Loann Goujon, 21 Morgan Parra, 22 Rémi Talès, 23 Rémi Lamerat.

Scotland: 15 Stuart Hogg, 14 Tommy Seymour, 13 Mark Bennett, 12 Alex Dunbar, 11 Tim Visser, 10 Finn Russell, 9 Greig Laidlaw (c), 8 Johnnie Beattie, 7 Blair Cowan, 6 Rob Harley, 5 Jonny Gray, 4 Richie Gray, 3 Euan Murray, 2 Ross Ford, 1 Alasdair Dickinson.

Replacements: 16 Fraser Brown, 17 Gordon Reid, 18 Geoff Cross, 19 Jim Hamilton, 20 Alasdair Strokosch, 21 Sam Hidalgo-Clyne, 22 Peter Horne, 23 Dougie Fife.

Date: Saturday, February 7

Venue: Stade de France, Paris

Kick-off: 18:00 local (17:00 GMT)

Referee: Nigel Owens (WRU)

Assistant Referees: Glen Jackson (NZRU) Mike Fraser (NZRU)