France will look to thwart Wales to claim their first Six Nations title for a decade when Scotland visit Paris tonight.
The French denied Wales a Grand Slam with a last-gasp try in a stunning 32-30 victory at the Stade de France last weekend and in doing so kept alive their own hopes of lifting the trophy for the first time since 2010.
This match was due to take place during the third round of fixtures, but was postponed after a Covid-19 outbreak swept through the France camp.
Now, the French have chance to claim the title, but it will be no easy task - you can read the full permutations here.
France vs Scotland date, kick-off time and venue
France vs Scotland is scheduled for an 8pm GMT kick-off tonight - Friday, March 26, 2021.
The game will take place behind closed doors at the Stade de France because of ongoing Covid-19 restrictions.
How to watch France vs Scotland
TV channel: Tonight’s match will be shown live on BBC One, with coverage beginning at 7:30pm.
Live stream: TV licence holders will be able to stream the match live on the BBC Sport website and via the BBC iPlayer app.
France vs Scotland team news
France have made five changes to the team that triumphed against Wales, with Romain Ntamack replacing the injured Matthieu Jalibert at fly-half.
Arthur Vincent comes into midfield, with Gael Fickou switched to the wing as Teddy Thomas drops to the bench.
In the pack, there’s a new second row as Bernard Le Roux and Swan Rebbadj replace Romain Taofifenua and the suspended Paul Willemse, while Anthony Jelonch is in for Dylan Cretin on the blindside.
As for Scotland, who thrashed Italy 52-10 at Murrayfield last weekend, Finn Russell is back at fly-half with captain Stuart Hogg reverting back to his usual position at full-back and the returning Adam Hastings on the bench.
In the pack, George Turner is back at hooker in place of Dave Cherry.
Sean Maitland is omitted due to a limit of five English-based players allowed in Gregor Townsend’s squad following an agreement with the Premiership for a rescheduled fixture that falls outside of the usual international window.
Scott Steele makes way for Ali Price at scrum-half and Chris Harris is preferred to Huw Jones at outside centre.
Matt Fagerson suffered an injury on the eve of the match, so Nick Haining will start at no8 on Friday with Ryan Wilson on the bench.
France vs Scotland lineups
France: Brice Dulin, Damian Penaud, Virimi Vakatawa, Arthur Vincent, Gael Fickou, Romain Ntamack, Antoine Dupont; Gregory Alldritt, Charles Ollivon (c), Anthony Jelonch, Swan Rebbadj, Bernard Le Roux, Mohamed Haouas, Julien Marchand, Cyril Baille.
Replacements: Camille Chat, Jean-Baptiste Gros, Uini Atonio, Romain Taofifenua, Dylan Cretin, Baptiste Serin, Anthony Bouthier, Teddy Thomas.
Scotland: Stuart Hogg (c), Darcy Graham, Chris Harris, Sam Johnson, Duhan van der Merwe, Finn Russell, Ali Price; Nick Haining, Hamish Watson, Jamie Ritchie, Grant Gilchrist, Sam Skinner, Zander Fagerson, George Turner, Rory Sutherland.
Replacements: David Cherry, Oli Kebble, Simon Berghan, Alex Craig, Ryan Wilson, Scott Steele, Adam Hastings, Huw Jones.
France vs Scotland head-to-head history and results
- France wins: 56
- Scotland wins: 38
- Draws: 3
- Last meeting: Scotland 15-22 France (Autumn Nations Cup, November 22, 2021)
France vs Scotland prediction
France only know one way to play even when any form of victory will do, so you can only imagine the attacking intent we may see from a side needing to rack up a hefty victory.
However, Scotland’s two defeats in this year’s competition have come by a combined total of four points and it may prove too tall an order for the French.
France to win by seven and Wales to claim the Six Nations title.
France vs Scotland betting odds and tips
- France to win: 2/9
- Draw: 37/1
- Scotland to win: 5/1
Odds via Betfair Exchange (subject to change). Click here to find out more.
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