France showed the strength of character needed to battle past Scotland despite being a man down as they look ahead to their final game against Ireland.
That is the view of skipper Nolann Le Garrec, who led Les Bleuets to a 45-21 success against the Scots, scoring three conversions and a penalty, as well as setting up a try for Maxime Baudonne.
Les Bleuets had raced into a 24-0 lead when Enzo Reybier, one of the try-scorers, was sent off for a dangerous tackle midway through the first half.
Scotland came back into the game, getting back to within ten points early in the second half, but France finished the stronger, much to the delight of Le Garrec.
He said: “The win does us a lot of good, particularly after the game against Wales which was quite positive as well. When we were a man down, we showed our character, even if we lacked control in certain moments. The team showed their strength and that allows us to look ahead to Ireland.”
France will face Ireland in Round 5, with the winner almost certain to finish second behind Grand Slam-chasing England.
One area France will have been very happy was their scrum, which caused Scotland huge problems, led by Clermont prop Daniel Bibi Biziwu.
And Player of the Match Baudonne was quick to credit the efforts of the front five in the set-piece.
He added: “I think the win came down to a strong scrum where we were able to dominate them. We won a number of penalties from that, and it’s always easier to play with that platform. However, we struggled to get out of our half at the end of the first half and start of the second. We were able to react well though, scoring again and opening up a lead.”
