France snatched victory from Scotland with a dramatic late win at Murrayfield on Saturday. A Jean-Marc Doussain penalty handed France a 19-17 victory, shortly after flyhalf Duncan Weir missed a chance to extend their lead and secure the win.
Scotland led 14-9 at half-time through tries by Stuart Hogg and Tommy Seymour, and despite a Yoann Huget intercept try, the hosts looked on track for an upset victory.
It was a decisive moment as had the Duncan Weir long pass gone to hand, Scotland had an overlap. Instead it was Huget that poached it and ran the length of the field for a well taken try.
“It is a good sign how we got back into the game and this win is especially important as it shows we can win away from home,” said Huget post match.
Weir, who kicked a 61st minute penalty to give Scotland the lead, then missed a shot at goal, giving France the lifeline they needed. A Doussain penalty was calmly slotted with less than two minutes left on the clock, and Scotland fans were denied a famous victory.
France are thus still in contention for this year’s Championship, and face Ireland in Paris next week.
“It will be a different game at home at the Stade de France in front of our crowd,” said French coach Philippe Saint-Andre.
“We need to start well and accelerate during the 80 minutes but I am sure the guys can do this. I hope the Brian O’Driscoll party was in Dublin last Saturday and not this week at the Stade de France,” he added.
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