France Dominates Scotland with Ten Tries in Women's Six Nations
Tries: Phillips 2, Coubrough, Sutcliffe Cons: Nelson 4
Tries: Feleu, Arbez, Bourdon, Champon 2, Barrat, Soqeta, Chambon, Murie, Mwayembe Cons: Arbez 4, Queyroi 3
France scored ten tries to decisively defeat Scotland and secure a bonus-point victory, setting the stage for a final day clash against England in the Women's Six Nations next weekend.
Manae Feleu, Carla Arbez, Siobhan Soqeta, and Lea Champon, who scored twice, helped France build a 31-14 lead by halftime. Scotland's Rachel Philipps responded with two tries to energize the home crowd.
After the break, Pauline Barrat extended France's advantage, followed by a second try from Soqeta. Additional tries from Alexandra Chambon, Lea Murie, and Ambre Mwayembe allowed France to comfortably secure the win.
Scotland earned a four-try bonus point despite the loss, with second-half tries from Emily Coubrough and Aicha Sutcliffe.
Scotland will next face Ireland in Dublin on Saturday, while France will host reigning champions England in the tournament decider in Bordeaux on Sunday.
All the latest Scottish rugby news
Listen to the BBC Scotland Rugby podcast
Third Consecutive Defeat for Weakened Scotland Side
Scotland aimed to recover from heavy losses to England and Italy but began poorly, losing possession immediately from kickoff. France capitalized quickly when Feleu scored within 50 seconds.
Scotland survived further pressure, turning over possession near their own line, which allowed Rhona Lloyd to advance the ball. From this, Philipps powered through for her first Test try, with Helen Nelson converting to give Scotland an early lead.
Despite France being reduced to 14 players after Feleu received a sin bin, Scotland's lead lasted only two minutes. Arbez executed a clever kick over the defense and scored under the posts.
France's strength became evident as lock Soqeta scored from close range, putting France ahead 19-7.
Although Scotland competed well for the first 30 minutes, their defense began to falter. Number eight Champon broke through to secure France's fourth try, earning a bonus point.
With Emma Orr injured, Philipps seized her opportunity, slicing through the defense for her second try.
Despite a strong effort from the relatively inexperienced Scottish side, Champon scored again just before halftime, extending France's lead.
France Maintains Momentum in Second Half
The second half started as the first had, with France scoring early. Full-back Barrat crossed in the corner after precise passing.
France continued to press, and although Scotland defended stoutly for a time, Soqeta scored her second try, France's seventh.
Fatigue showed in the Scottish ranks as gaps appeared. Substitute Chambon broke from a maul to score, pushing France past 50 points.
France increased their dominance as Murie completed a remarkable individual try.
Scotland showed resilience on a rare attack, with substitute Coubrough scoring their third try.
Debutant Sutcliffe also scored, ensuring Scotland left with points from the match. However, Mwayembe sealed the win for France with the final try, completing a perfect four-from-four record.
