Ten-try France beat Scotland to set up England decider
France run in 10 tries to sweep Scotland aside and earn the bonus-point win that sets-up a final day showdown with England next weekend for the Women's Six Nations title.
Women's Six Nations Scotland (14) 28 Tries: Phillips 2, Coubrough, Sutcliffe Cons: Nelson 4 France (31) 69 Tries: Feleu, Arbez, Bourdon, Champon 2, Barrat, Soqeta, Chambon, Murie, Mwayembe Cons: Arbez 4, Queyroi 3 France ran in 10 tries to sweep Scotland aside and earn the bonus-point win that sets-up a final day showdown with England next weekend for the Women's Six Nations title. Tries from Manae Feleu, Carla Arbez, Siobhan Soqeta and two from Lea Champon put the French into a 31-14 half-time lead, with a double from Rachel Philipps giving the home fans something to cheer. Pauline Barrat stretched the visitors' lead after the break, Soqeta crossed again and further scores from Alexandra Chambon, Lea Murie and Ambre Mwayembe saw the French ease to victory.
Emily Coubrough and Aicha Sutcliffe scored second-half tries as the Scots claimed a four-try bonus point in defeat. Scotland travel to face Ireland in Dublin on Saturday, while France host champions England in the tournament decider in Bordeaux on Sunday. All the latest Scottish rugby news Listen to the BBC Scotland Rugby podcast Third defeat in row for weakened Scots The Scots were looking to bounce back from heavy defeats by England and Italy, but they made a nightmare start, spilling the ball straight from kick-off and France made them pay when Feleu dived over with barely 50 seconds on the clock.
The home side survived another onslaught with a turnover on their own line which allowed Rhona Lloyd to break free and get Scotland up the pitch. From there they built the pressure and Philipps burst through to power her way over the line on her first Test start. Helen Nelson converted to give Scotland the lead.
Despite France being down to 14 players with Feleu sent to the sin bin, Scotland's lead lasted all of two minutes as Arbez dinked a clever kick over the defence and gathered herself to go in under the sticks. The French power was beginning to show and lock Soqueta blasted over from close range to put the visitors in control at 19-7. After competing well for the opening half-hour, the Scottish defence was starting to look a little ragged and number eight Champon was allowed to break through and tie up the bonus point for France with their fourth try.