Scotland delivered one of their most memorable performances in Six Nations history this afternoon, demolishing France 50-40 at Murrayfield in a breathtaking encounter.
Gregor Townsend’s side were absolutely magnificent, crossing the try line seven times against a French outfit that arrived in Edinburgh as tournament favourites.
It was the highest points tally Scotland have ever managed against Les Bleus, and it completely destroyed any hopes France had of wrapping up a grand slam.
However, France’s 40 points earned them a crucial bonus point, which could prove pivotal in what is shaping up to be one of the most exciting Six Nations conclusions in years.
Scotland made history against France after a remarkable 90-point thriller
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The previously unbeaten visitors came north expecting to clinch consecutive championships with a bonus-point triumph, but instead found themselves on the wrong end of a Scottish masterclass.
The try-scoring honours were shared around beautifully, with wingers Darcy Graham and Kyle Steyn both grabbing braces to torment the French defence.
Ben White was sharp from scrum half, while prop Pierre Schoeman powered over to add to the tally.
Replacement Tom Jordan also got his name on the scoresheet in what turned into a proper Scottish party.
Pulling the strings throughout was Finn Russell, who orchestrated the attack superbly from fly half.
It was the kind of complete team display that Scottish fans have been dreaming about, with every department clicking into gear against one of rugby’s elite nations.
The scoreline doesn’t quite tell the full story of Scottish dominance, mind you.
Townsend’s men found themselves trailing 14-7 early on, but what followed was simply extraordinary.
Scotland rattled off 40 points without reply in one of the most thrilling passages of play anyone at Murrayfield can remember.
France were bullied in the scrum and coughed up errors that the hosts pounced upon ruthlessly.
The only frustration came in the closing stages, when Les Bleus managed to cross four times in the final fifteen minutes to secure a potentially crucial bonus point.
That late flurry made the final score look far closer than the match actually was.
So what does this all mean for the championship race?
Scotland head to Dublin next weekend knowing a victory over Ireland keeps their title hopes alive.
It would be their first Six Nations crown since 2000, back when Italy hadn’t yet joined and it was still the Five Nations.
Townsend himself was at fly half when Scotland last lifted the trophy in 1999.
The catch is that France remain favourites despite today’s hammering, sitting top of the table on points difference.
Scotland will need England to do them a favour when Les Bleus host Steve Borthwick’s side in Paris on Super Saturday.
