Ruthless French have far too much in the tank for Scotland

By SAM JACKSON

France…………… 54pts

Tries: Ferte 8, Mathiron 20, Carbonneau 24, Nouchi 34, 39, Jegou 54, Affane 63, Penalty 77

Conversions: Reus 9, 25, 35, 40, 56, 64

Scotland ……….. 12pts

Tries: Brown 18, Hart 31

Conversions: Simpson 32

Scotland could not build on their win over Wales in round two as they were blown away by a ruthless French attack.

The hosts took a little while to find their stride but had far too much for a determined Scotland side, and the game was all-but sealed after Lenni Nouchi scored twice in the space of five minutes before half-time.

And when captain Oscar Jegou dived over for France's sixth, the champagne corks were popping as Les Bleuets stretched their unbeaten record against Scotland to 16 U20 Six Nations matches.

France centre Paul Costes said: “It was a great game to play throughout. This French team was focused on this match and very proud of this performance.

“The backs and forwards linked fantastically and we're now looking forward to the match against England.”

France took the lead in the ninth minute when some strong drives by the forwards created good ball for the backline and full-back Mathis Ferte crossed for a try.

Scotland's retort 10 minutes later could not have been more different, with a simple catch and drive leading to Rudi Brown's score.

France registered their second score as centre Arthur Mathiron exploited a gap in the defence to run home unopposed from 10 metres.

Scotland were next to attack in what was becoming a frenetic encounter and were just inches short of the France line after the deftest of passes from Duncan Munn set Corey Tait clear.

The hooker lost his footing but Scotland recycled well, allowing second row Ruaraidh Hart to power over.

Flanker Nouchi bundled his way over again with the last act of the half to make it 33-12.

The visitors nullified France for the opening quarter of the second period but their resistance was finally broken by another moment of quality.

Leo Carbonneau picked up from the base of a ruck and sucked in the nearest defender before finding Jegou who enjoyed his first score for his country.

Zaccharie Affane was next to cross, the 130kg replacement prop on hand to score after a ineout overthrow.

And they added an extra gloss to the scoreline in the closing stages, with a penalty try in the closing stages following repeated Scottish infringements on their own try line.

Scotland co-captain Liam McConnell said: “We're disappointed, we came here really positive but tonight just didn't come off.

“They dominated the set piece and we couldn't get our line out going. We have to go back have a long look at ourselves and come back better.”