France vs Scotland LIVE! Six Nations 2023 match stream, latest score and rugby updates today
The third round of the Six Nations concludes this afternoon in Paris with the game of the weekend most have been waiting for. Defending champions France are back on home soil for the first time in 2023, hoping to bounce back quickly from a humongous defeat in Dublin two weeks ago that saw their dreams of back-to-back Grand Slams from wild Ireland finally dashed.
Having also come uncomfortably close to Italy on the opening day in Rome, the feeling is that Les Bleus need a commanding performance here to reassert their credentials with a home World Cup looming later this year. But they face a tough test against a Scottish side who are brimming with confidence after opening their season with back-to-back victories for the first time since 1996.
A struggling Wales were sidelined in the second half at Murrayfield after England were defeated again in the Calcutta Cup, raising optimism of a genuine title challenge from Gregor Townsend’s side, with Finn Russell pulling the strings. Follow France vs Scotland in the Six Nations live below!
live updates
Ireland marches on
Scotland with two wins from their first two games in the Six Nations, the first time ever.
A win here this afternoon and that leads to an absolutely massive clash with Ireland in two weeks time. Championship and Grand Slam would be at stake.
Ireland avoided a major upset yesterday with a disjointed 34-20 bonus points win over Italy.
Andy Farrell’s exhausted side were well below their fluid best in Rome but ultimately clinched victory thanks to two tries from Mack Hansen from goals from James Ryan, Hugo Keenan and Bundee Aki.
Fearless Italy had rocked the world number one for large parts of an unrelenting encounter at the Stadio Olimpico.
Stephen Varney’s attempt, an excellent breakaway result from Pierre Bruno and 10 points from Paolo Garbisi kept Kieran Crowley’s hosts in contention and they were just four points behind with 15 minutes to go.
But the Irish, helped by nine points from Ross Byrne, weathered the shock and stayed on course for a clean Championship win before joining Scotland and England in March.
Standard sports prediction
This is an intriguing duel to referee the third round of the Six Nations.
Scotland got off to their best start in 27 years with a string of tries and impressive attacking rugby, with threats across the pitch and underdog playmaker Finn Russell, who plies his club trade in France with Racing 92, expertly pulling the strings from the left page out .
But in the first half against Wales there were warning signs that they still have certain defensive weaknesses that will certainly be exploited by better teams and a trip to Paris is obviously a big step up the league.
Scotland flies… but probably not enough to continue its triumphal march in Paris.
France will be injured after being beaten by Ireland in one of the best games you’ll ever see and Galthie will demand an immediate response from Antoine Dupont and company.
Les Bleus win but expect Scotland to put up a decent fight ahead of Ireland’s visit to Murrayfield in a fortnight.
France wins by 10 points.
Scotland team news
Scotland XV: Hogg, Steyn, Jones, Tuipulotu, Van der Merwe; Russell, White; Schoeman, Turner, Z Fagerson, R Gray, Gilchrist, Ritchie (c), Watson, M Fagerson
Substitute: Brown, Bhatti, Nel, J.Gray, Skinner, Dempsey, Price, Kinghorn
French team news
France XV: ramos; Penaud, Fickou, Moefana, Dumortier; Ntamack, DuPont (c); Baille, Marchand, Haouas; Flament, Willemse; Jelonch, Ollivon, Alldritt.
Substitute: Barlot, Wardi, Falatea, Taofifenua, Cros, Macalou, Couilloud, Jalibert.
like watching
TV channel: In the UK, France v Scotland will be broadcast live and free to air on ITV1, starting at 14:15.
Live broadcast: Fans can also watch the game live online via the ITVX app and ITV website.
Welcome
Hello and welcome to the Evening Standard’s LIVE coverage of the Six Nations clash between France and Scotland.
Round three looks set to end in the game of the weekend as the reigning champions return home after a painless defeat in Ireland last time out.
Les Blues could use a resounding win to stave off voices of concern but the Scots have plenty to make for a tough afternoon.
Kick-off in Paris is at 15:00 GMT. stay with us