Scotland scare France at home

Scotland have send another warning to their World Cup pool rivals, the Springboks and Ireland, with an inspired performance in their RWC warm-up against France in Saint-Etienne.

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SCOTLAND VS FRANCE MATCH RECAP

In a game that had everything, including one of Scotland’s heartiest performances this season, the visitors came within a hair of beating France for a second week in a row, but their effort fell just short of the line.

France narrowly defeated Scotland 30-27 in Saint Etienne as they held off a brave second-half fightback from the visitors. Scotland made an explosive start with Kyle Steyn diving over for a try inside five minutes. The home side hit back with a try from Romain Ntamack and two Thomas Ramos penalty kicks to lead 13-10 at half-time.

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After the break, France scored two quick tries through Damien Penaud and Charles Ollivon to extend their lead. Duhan van der Merwe scored a try just after the hour mark to give Scotland hope of a comeback.

Rory Darge crossed a few minutes later to take Scotland to within 5-points of France. Kyle Steyn then collected a grubber kick to score his second try and draw Scotland level. But Thomas Ramos had the final say for France when he kicked a late penalty to clinch victory for the hosts.

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WHAT IT MEANS FOR THE SPRINGBOKS

The Springboks are grouped with Ireland and Scotland in Pool B of the Rugby World Cup. And while Ireland and the Springboks are favoured to progress out of this pool into the quarter-finals, Scotland could well throw a spanner in the works for one or even both of those teams.

Ireland will open their Rugby World Cup campaign in what should be a relatively easy Test against Romania, but the Springboks and Scotland will kick off their tournament with an epic encounter against each other on 10 September. And the result of that Test could well shape Pool B going forward.

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