Scotland demonstrated heroic levels of grit and determination to wrestle a 13-13 draw from a scintillating clash against 2018 Grand Slam champions France – qualities epitomised none more so than by No.8 Jade Konkel.
The 26-year-old was handed the coveted Player of the Match award after 80 minutes of gruelling rugby, in which her dynamic ball-carrying skills and defensive nous played a big part in bridging a ten-point gap with less than a quarter of the match to go.
Indeed, the Harlequins star made 25 carries – the most of any player on the pitch – while also completing seven tackles, gaining 147 metres and assisting Rachel Shankland’s dramatic late try.
France looked favourites for the win having taken an 8-3 advantage into half-time thanks to Safi N’Diaye’s early score, and Agathe Sochat looked to have put them on the cusp of victory by going over soon after the break.
But Bryan Easson’s side – who had lost both of their previous Championship matches in 2020 and hadn’t avoided defeat against Les Bleues for ten years – refused to lie down and Helen Nelson’s boot reduced the arrears before Shankland struck.
Having proved a thorn in the French defence all afternoon, Konkel – who on one instance dragged three opposition players with her while carrying the ball – used all her vision and composure to pick out debutant Shankland in space in the corner, who dotted down to complete an incredible comeback.
While the draw evaporated any French hopes of sealing a second Women’s Six Nations title in three years, Scotland’s stunning fightback gives them great momentum ahead of their final fixtures against Wales and Italy, in which they will look to register a first win of the competition.
If Konkel can continue her impressive form in the back row, the 1998 Grand Slam winners will be confident of climbing the table before they tackle the Rugby World Cup qualifiers later in the year.
